Trail Drive : An American Monument to the West

Robert Summers, creator of many significant public art projects throughout the United States, was chosen by the Dallas Trees and Parks Foundation to create a monumental bronze sculptural group comprised of forty plus longhorn steers and three horses and riders on a 19th century trail drive.  The project was begun in 1992 and terminated in 1997.  There were 70 steer intended and only 40 actually installed.  That is a high loss ratio even for turn-of-the-century trail drives.

The setting for this spectacular historical tableau is in Pioneer Plaza, a 4.2 acre park with an artificial waterfall and stream in front of the Dallas Convention Center.  The Dallas Convention Convention and Visitors Bureau considers Pioneer Plaza "the most photographed attraction in the city.".