THE CHARGE

Bronze, 34″H x 32″L x 19″D, Limited Ed. of 75 – Created in 2004

‘The Charge’ pays homage to the brave men who settled what was then known as the vast American Desert – the land beyond the wide Missouri. In this poignant sculpture, artist Vic Payne depicts a cavalryman whose face reflects a mix of determination and apprehension as he leads his men and himself into the unknown.

The last known swallowtail flag to be carried in the Great Plains of the American West was proudly borne by the Seventh Cavalry regiment of the United States Army.  However, during the Battle of the Little Bighorn (also known as Custer’s last stand and Battle of Greasy Grass) on June 25 and June 26, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in eastern Montana Territory, near what is now Crow Agency, Montana. The Seventh Cavalry suffered a severe defeat and the mighty Sioux captured the swallowtail flag as a symbol of their victory.

Months later, during the Battle of Slim Buttes fought on September 9 – 10, 1876, a column of the 3rd Cavalry, led by Capt. Anson Mills, recovered several artifacts from the Battle of Little Bighorn. Among these treasures was the Seventh Cavalry guidon (swallowtail flag) from Company 1. Today, it hangs proudly at the Custer Museum in Little Big Horn.

‘The Charge’ serves as a tribute to the courageous men who now rest in the vast expanse of the Great Plains.