[1][2] According to the Springfield Museum, The Circuit Rider depicts "one of Oregon's pioneer circuit-riding Methodist ministers" and commemorates "the labors and achievements of the ministers of the Gospel, who as circuit riders became the friends, counselors and evangels to the pioneers on every American frontier.

[2] The 3.5-ton statue was cast by Roman Bronze Works in New York and was gifted to the State of Oregon in 1924.

It was presented "in reverent and grateful remembrance of Robert Booth, pioneer minister of the Oregon Country" by his son, Robert Asbury Booth, who was a prominent Eugene businessman and Oregon State Highway Commissioner.

[3] It was reoriented to face west, symbolizing the westward migration to Oregon, in January 1853.

[4][1] It remained on its side for several months, and was then sent to the studio of James Lee Hansen of Vancouver, Washington for repairs.