A Right Laugh, a Casual Controversy, and George Washington's Gaze

Since 1909, a towering 24-foot bronze statue of George Washington has stood sentinel atop UW, capturing the attention and ire of students, faculty, and locals. This bronze behemoth, erected by the Works Progress Administration in August 1938, gazes steadfastly at the Olympic Mountains, spawning debate for over a century.

Now, some folks are stirring the pot, advocating for George Washington's removal. They point to his past as a slave owner and argue that his monument no longer deserves a spot on campus. A century ago, UW's student newspaper, The Daily, even published an op-ed calling for the statue's removal, suggesting a modern Black Power fist as a replacement, and even collecting signatures from 3,000 people in favor of renaming it the Juneteeth Café. However, a recent KING 5 News poll shows a divided public – 59% prefer the monument to stay, while 29% favor relocation, and 11% remain undecided. The chronicles of this bronze colossus continue to be spun, with many eyes on Washington and his gaze over the Olympic Mountains.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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