The Cattle Drive bronze series: The Trail Boss, The Vaquero, and The Rustler, proudly showcase a visual representation of the Wild West, capturing the essence of the cowboy way of life. Each sculpture tells a story:

The Trail Boss

“This sculpture represents the man in charge of a cattle drive that would have passed through this area in the late 1800s. Often the owner of a small herd, the trail boss may have pushed other small herds for a fee along with his own. In this bronze series, the trail boss has been called into action by the Vaquero, who has spotted a cattle rustler. This monumental sculpture, like the others, is 125% life-size. Created by Vic Payne, it was unveiled in 2007, and was the first in the Cattle Drive series.”

The Vaquero

“Hispanics of the era were known for their skills as cowboys and the influence is evident in many of the Spanish-language words we use today for cowboy equipment, such as lariat and chaps. Vaquero is Spanish for cowboy. In this scene, the vaquero has spotted a rustler trying to steal cattle from the drive and is shooting his gun in the air to signal the trail boss. The Vaquero was created by Mike Hambry, a former defensive end for the Buffalo Bills and author of children’s books. The sculpture was unveiled in 2008.”

The Rustler

“The rustler was a personality common in the Wild West, some well-known, such as Billy the Kid, who traveled this area frequently. A rustler would steal cattle from a herd, alter the brand, and claim them as his own to sell. In this scene, the rustler has the calf down and is heating his branding iron until he realizes he has been spotted by the vaquero and prepares for a gun battle. Could this be Billy the Kid? You can get close to look but watch out for snakes! The Rustler was created by Rober Summers and unveiled in 2009.”

These sculptures serve not only as a celebration of cowboy culture but also as educational tools. They preserve the heritage and history of the Wild West, ensuring that future generations have a tangible connection to the past. By exhibiting these sculptures in prominent locations in downtown Artesia, we hope to ensure the relevance and vitality of the cowboy legacy in contemporary society. Through these bronze sculptures, the spirit of the Wild West lives on, inspiring and captivating generations to come.

Morgan Fox,
Executive Director, Artesia MainStreet

Sculpture information provided by Explore Downtown Artesia Walking Tour.

510 W. Main Street | Artesia, NM
(575) 703-0841
ArtesiaMainStreet.com
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