The End of the Trail

James Earle Fraser (1876-1953) The End of the Trail Modeled c. 1894; cast c. 1925 Cast bronze Rockwell Foundation purchase 78.88 F

This lone figure on his weary horse is one of the most recognized symbols of the American West. The sculpture was originally conceived in 1894, at a time when Manifest Destiny had become manifest fact, and most Euro-Americans believed that Native Americans were a vanishing race. For the artist, who sympathized with the Native tribes suffering in the face of westward expansion, it was a reverent memorial to a valiant people. To some Native Americans, however, it is viewed as a reminder of defeat and subjugation a century ago.

Before exhibiting this sculpture at the 1915 Pan American Exposition in San Francisco, Fraser made subtle but meaningful changes to his original model. To white Americans of the day, Natives Americans were stereotyped as either docile, spiritual people, or fierce war-mongers. Fraser struggled with which type to depict, but ultimately replaced a shield from earlier versions with a medicine bag to symbolize knowledge and spirituality. He also exposed more musculature of the figure, representing his strength even in defeat. Despite these details, this sculpture continues to be a controversial representation of Native Americans.

Have stereotypes of Native Americans changed on the almost 100 years since this sculpture was created?