Name/Title
The City Librarian of WaupunScope and Content
December 28, 1971
City Librarian
City of Waupun, Wisconsin
Dear Sir:
For some time now I have been attempting to obtain background data on the famous Indian statue "The End of the Trail", I have spent quite some time in the local library, have questioned several old-timers and Native Americans for what they may know, and must admit that I now know very little more about the statue than when I first began.
Most people agree on the title - "The End of the Trail", but agreement appears to cease there. Some say it allegedly depicts the agony suffered by the Five Civilized Tribes during and after their forced removal to Oklahoma; some say it represents the frustration of the Plains Braves at the dwindling buffalo herds; some say it represents the defeat of the Indian Warriors at the hands of the Caucasians; and some of us will simply admit we do not know what it represents. The physical location of the statue is so in doubt that even Indians I have spoken with won't venture a guess. There are even those who submit that it was originally a painting, and not a statue at all.
As you may surmise, I find the mystique surrounding this statue very intriguing, thus explaining somewhat my inquiry to you. As I indicated earlier, I have spent considerable time in the Richmond Library, and the only reference I can find to this statue is a small one-liner in a travel brochure indicating your city as being "The site of the original bronze casting of the statue,..".
May I prevail upon you to perhaps afford me with a list of suggested reading(s) on this statue, or, from your own knowledge and experience, recommend some titles that I might find accessible for purchase in the Richmond/Berkeley area.
Thank you very much for your time and for any enlightment you may render me.
Yours truly,
Robert L. Tipton
Encl.Acquisition
Accession
2015.0500Source or Donor
Waupun Heritage MuseumAcquisition Method
Donation