The Grants Pass, Oregon Caveman - A Bit of History. Yes it's true, the City of Grants Pass, Oregon has a giant Caveman guarding the Chamber of Commerce building at the north end of town. There's no missing the 17-ft tall Caveman (almost 20-ft with pedestal) clutching a club and dressed only in animal skins.
The statue was erected in 1971 by the Grants Pass Caveman Club. The group was formed by local business people in 1922 to boost awareness about the town of Grants Pass and the nearby Oregon Caves. It is said that the local business people wore shaggy animal skins to welcome such visiting dignitaries as John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
Sadly, on July 4, 2004, two vandals lit the caveman on fire, severely damaging his fiberglass body. After much debate over repairing the Neanderthal, a local business owner paid $2500. to have John Stripling, of Summer Breeze Kayaks, repair the damages.
Today, the Caveman proudly stands at the north end of town in front of the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, and is considered the current day mascot for Grants Pass High School.
I lived in Grants Pass, well before there was a caveman -- but did go to the Oregon Caves several times.
Melinda - I have been in Grant's Pass many times, forgot all about the caveman. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for your comments Alexandra & Mike. Both attractions are a site to see :)
Thanks for the morsels of Josephine County history.
The Caveman should be carrying a oar or a paddle to represent your other local attraction...the real Going Rogue.
So true Jim ~ Ha, that's one up on Sarah Palin :)
Melinda....That's a big Caveman and a really neat story. What did they do to the two vandals?
Hope you have a great day!
Melinda,
Is that you on the right, doing a handstand in front of the Caveman?
Greenhuntingcat