American Realism artist, Dave McGary has captured so dramatically the rage of the battle at hand in his Masterwork, "Last Stand Hill." The portrayal of prominent Sioux Warriors, Iron Star, Crow King and Red Horn Bull, astride their war horses, in the midst of the onslaught of Custer's Last Stand, is a seized moment in bronze as only McGary could master.

On June 25, 1876, the Battle of Last Stand Hill took place on the banks of the Little Big Horn River in the Southern Montana Territory. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer disobeyed orders and split his command of the seventh regiment into three battalions. Captain Benteen and his Cavalry went to the West to scour the southern bluffs for Indians, Major Reno was to cross the river and attack the southern end of the Indian camp. Lieutenant Colonel Custer was originally going to support Major Reno, but decided to attack the middle of the encampment with his Cavalry.

About fifteen thousand Indians were in the area, the largest concentration that history has ever recorded. Present were the Cheyenne, Sans Arcs, Blackfeet Sioux, Miniconjoux Sioux, Hunk papa Sioux and Oglala Sioux. Custer chose to ignore his scout's reports about the size of the encampment.

An Indian trap was set for Major Reno and he never reached the southern end of the camp. Forced to dismount and break into defense mode, one third of his Cavalry lost in the timber and in a river-crossing struggle. The Indians waged an impressive battle. Major Reno did not regain control of his resources until reaching a bluff on the other side of the river. Reno's Cavalry was able to regroup, but survival was held together by a thread. Captain Benteen returned from the bluffs to find Reno's men in desperate straits. Combining their forces, the Cavalry was able to hold off the Indians until nightfall.

Four miles upstream, Custer ordered his men toward the central ford of the river. The Indians swarmed from every direction. Custer and his men never reached the river and were forced down stream to higher ground. Sioux Chief Gall attacked and over ran the rear, while Crazy Horse attacked the offensive. In less than twenty minutes all of Custer's one hundred and ninety-seven men perished on Last Stand Hill.

The following day, the remaining forces under Reno and Benteen were annihilated once again by the Indians, but by midday all was quiet with no sign of the Indians.

Although this was the biggest defeat of the US Army by the Plains Indians, it was also the beginning of the end for the Indians. The mood changed against the Indians in Washington. Now the effort was to crush them to seek revenge for the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Depicted in McGary's Masterwork, "Last Stand Hill," the initial warrior, Iron Star, seen carrying a gun stock war club led the attack against Custer and was celebrated as a great warrior in this battle. Iron Star was a Miniconjoux War Chief second in rank to Lame Deer. He later died in General Miles attack on the Miniconjoux Sioux village of Lame Deer on May 7, 1877. The central figure, Crow King, yielding a Spencer rifle, had eighty warriors in his band and led the charge against Reno's troops in the valley before joining the battle against Custer. He and his famous dapple gray war-horse survived unharmed. Even today, through stories passed down from generation to generation, the legacy of Crow King and his accomplishments in battle live on in the hearts of the Sioux. It is believed that he died in Fort Yates, North Dakota and was buried in the Catholic cemetery there after a long celebrated life. Red Horn Bull, holds a Winchester rifle and was believed to have taken the Flag that was held in high regard as a trophy until it was later recaptured at the Battle of Slim Buttes. The Oglala Leader also led numerous charges against Reno's Cavalry in the valley along side Kicking Bear.

This long anticipated bronze has been an expansive research project spanning over three years. Dave's Native American friends have played a significant role in referencing the stories told of their relative's experiences. Incorporating those exact events, along with historian perspective, this Masterwork proves to be one of McGary's most intricately detailed sculptures to date. The casting of this Masterwork alone has over one hundred and fifty separate, detailed facets. McGary's perseverance and dedication to his art reflect once again, his integrity in preserving a relevant American historical account.

Masterwork Bronze with Patina and Paint
Edition of 40, Year Cast 2004