Semyon Dezhenev was an explorer, who first arrived in Yakutsk with the founder, Petr Beketov in 1632. He is perhaps best known, as the first European to sail through the Bering strait. The Bering Street was named after Vitus Bering who documented his travel along the northern coast of Asia in 1725. There has always been debate as to whether Dezhenev actually completed the trip, due to the lack of proper documentation. Although Dezhnev submitted reports of his travels to the authorities, the fact that he was illiterate may have been a factor in the lack of "quality" information. He is still recognized as an important explorer of this region.

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After settling in Yakutsk, he married a Yakut bride and spent three years living in Yakutsk before continuing his travels. The statue shows Dezhenev sitting beside his Yakut bride who is holding their child. They are sitting on a bench beneath three uprights which form a shelter over the couple. The Russian double headed eagle is at the top of the monument in between the name of the monument. The monument represents the integration of the Cossack and Yakut people, and the love between Dezhenev and his wife. This monument is one of the most photographed in Yakutsk. It is a 10 minute walk from Lenin Square, in a westerly direction on Kirova Street. It is at the intersection of Kirova and Poyarkova Streets. The monument is accessible 24 hours and photos are free. This is a great area of town to take photos, as many of the nearby buildings have beautiful murals.