According to the City of Pine City website, “Francois” is the official name of the redwood statue landmark along Old Highway 61 near the Snake River. The statue began as a 42-foot tall redwood log. Local resident Nancy Mach approached Dennis Roghair, a sculptor, about creating a large statue that would complement another local historical site – the Snake River Fur Post. The statue was carved by Mr. Roghair using only measurement tools and a chainsaw. The City of Pine City provided $15,000 for project, and community fundraising raised an additional $11,000 for the $26,000 installation of this point-of-interest in Pine City. The statue was completed on November 3, 1992.
Located at Voyageur Park in Pine City, MN
