McLoughlin is shown wearing a suit and cape, with a top hat in his left hand.

Its south side includes an inscription that reads: BEDI-RASSY ART FOUNDRY NY.

A plaque on the front of the base displays the founder's mark and the text: DR. JOHN MCLOUGHLIN / 1784–1858 / FIRST TO GOVERN / THE OREGON COUNTRY / 1824–1843.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, it is a duplicate of another bronze unveiled in the United States Capitol in 1952, as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection.

The statue was surveyed and considered "treatment needed" by the Smithsonian's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!"