"The Captains' Return" has returned.
The bronze statue of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their faithful companion dog, Seaman, was removed two years ago from near the Eads Bridge to be restored.
The 23-foot, 9,000-pound bronze was installed in 2006 just south of the bridge. Too often, high river stages would leave the statue submerged in the water, resulting in erosion and damage.
Its new location is about 200 feet south and, more importantly, about 17 feet higher than before.
The restoration work was spearheaded by Harry Weber, the statue's sculptor.
People are also reading…
Ryan McClure, a spokesman for CityArchRiver, said renovation work on the Gateway Arch grounds has kept the public away from the relocated statue, a condition set to change next month.
On June 2, partners in the Arch renovation will host "Picnic on the Riverfront" to commemorate the renovations.
The official ribbon-cutting is set for 5 p.m. on an overlook stage along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard. After a variety of events, the party will end with a brief fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
