Iconic Weed Totem Pole Knocked Down in Late-Night Crash

The 32-foot landmark that had stood for over 50 years was damaged when a big rig hit it in a parking lot.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The iconic totem pole in the city of Weed, California was knocked down late Tuesday night after a big rig hauling a trailer crashed into it in a grocery store parking lot. The 32-foot pole, which had stood as a local landmark since 1962, suffered significant damage in the incident.

Why it matters

The totem pole was a beloved roadside attraction and symbol of the city of Weed, which is known for its unusual name. The loss of this historic landmark is a blow to the community's identity and tourism draw.

The details

According to the Weed Police Department, officers were called to the Ray's Food Place parking lot just after 11 PM on Tuesday night, where they found the totem pole had been knocked over by a big rig. The driver provided their trucking company's insurance information to authorities. The extent of the damage to the 32-foot pole is still unknown, and it's unclear if it will be able to be reinstalled.

  • The incident occurred just after 11 PM on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Weed Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the crash.

Ray's Food Place

The grocery store in whose parking lot the totem pole was located and where the crash occurred.

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What’s next

The extent of the damage to the totem pole is still being assessed, and it remains unclear if the landmark can be repaired and reinstalled.

The takeaway

The loss of Weed's iconic totem pole is a blow to the community's identity and history, highlighting the fragility of local landmarks and the importance of preserving them for future generations.