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Skinner Butte is a hill to the north of Eugene, OR that overlooks the town. It was named after the founder of the city, Eugene Franklin Skinner, and features parks and trails.
Features
The butte has a winding road that wraps around it to the top where a parking lot provides a comprehensive view of the city. It also has parks on the west side with lawns.
It also has a large UO emblem visible from the air and town, representative of the University of Oregon.
Controversy
Up until 1997, it was the home of a large, concrete cross that was seasonably illuminated. The permanent concrete cross was illegally erected in 1964. Objections to the presence of religious monuments on public land led to its eventual dismantlement. Protesters argued that not only was it inappropriate to have on a public park, but that it represented the frequent burning crosses at that location by the Klu Klux Klan from 1922 to 1924. Others described it as a war memorial with significant historical importance.
After being removed on June 14, 1994, it was installed at a bible college near Churchill High School.
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