The Pioneer, Visalia
historic place
In Visalia, Tulare County, a historic site marks the former location of 'The Pioneer' sculpture. This artwork, created by Solon H. Borglum, was first displayed at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Tulare County acquired 'The Pioneer' for $150, covering shipping costs. It arrived in Visalia in May 1916 and was erected in Mooney Grove Park by November 1916. The sculpture, depicting a rugged pioneer, stood at 27000 South Mooney Boulevard for over six decades. 'The Pioneer' was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The plaster sculpture was destroyed by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on May 25, 1980. Today, only its stone base remains. This site reflects Visalia's historical connection to early 20th-century art and civic development.