[4] It was dedicated September 22, 1888, in memory of Stephen G. Skidmore, a wealthy Portland druggist who died in 1883,[3] and partly financed by his will.

[5] It is styled after fountains Skidmore viewed at Versailles on his visit to the 1878 Paris Exposition[3] and intended for "horses, men and dogs" to drink from.

[7][8] The fountain is located near the west end of the Burnside Bridge at SW First and Ankeny streets within downtown Portland.

When Portland Saturday Market is operating, the open area around the fountain attracts street performers and entertained spectators.

In 2003, when characterizing the neighborhood, Portland Development Commission commented, "there are significant public safety issues around the Skidmore Fountain Station under the Burnside Bridge", and said it, "experiences one of the highest drug related arrest rates in the city".