The Crossing Project
Round Rock has long been famous for its rich heritage as generation upon generation has passed down the lore of the area. Tales of conflict, of fast draws and outlaws have colored the history, but nothing may be more important to the lore and lure of Texas than the cattle drives and the importance the cattle industry has to this day.
In the pioneer days of yesterday, a settlement was springing up along the Brushy Creek by a round rock, where pioneers had heard there was a low water crossing. This crossing would become one of the most famous markers along the Chisholm Trail. Jesse Chisholm led his herd along this trail from deep in the south of Texas toward Hays, Kansas, which was fast becoming the hub of a burgeoning cattle industry, each time passing through the growing settlement of Round Rock.
In commemoration of that cattle drive, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, in concert with the City of Round Rock and its citizenry have commissioned a bronze artscape which is displayed at "The Crossing." This larger-than-life project is nestled within a park-like setting of native flowers and ground covering. The park is located adjacent to Chisholm Trail Drive to the west and between RR 620 and Brushy Creek.
The first phase of the project was made possible through the generous donation of land from the City of Round Rock and a grant from Dell.
The project plans include 18 to 20 bronze statues upon its completion. Donations to this fund will further that vision. A donor may also choose to commission a statue to commemorate one of their loved ones. Future projects include: a lone steer, a longhorn, horse and rider, bronzes of cowboys lying on bedrolls, and a rider pulling a calf. "This park is a historical monument which is important to Round Rock's history, and it's important to pay attention to the historical aspect of the sculptures.," said sculptor Jim Thomas.
The Crossing Sculptures
THE PIONEER WOMAN - made possible by a grant from William and Sissy Peckham and family and modeled after Mrs. Peckham Texas pioneer woman Harriett "Hattie" Cluck, wife of George Cl, is remembered as the first woman recorded to travel the Chisholm Trail. Hattie walked and rode up the Chisholm Trail with the herd, her husband and three children, two-year old Harriett Minnie, five-year old Emmett and seven-year old Allie Annie. In this sculpture, Hattie is seen walking the trail carrying a walking stick and a knapsack to gather wild onions, prickly pear pads and willow bark. "The Cluck's are the first documented local Williamson County family to go up the Chisholm Trail and I'm honored that my work will depict their journey." Sculptor Jim Thomas shared.
THE PIONEER BOY - made possible by a grant from Ruth Koughan and is modeled after her grandson, Riley The six foot tall pioneer boy statue is in commemoration of Emmett Cluck, son of George and Hattie. The statue shows the boy holding a pet frog in one hand and a walking stick in the other.
THE BELL STEER- made possible by a donation from Dell
THE RESTING STEER - The 2nd Longhorn, the "Resting Steer" was dedicated in 2005 and made possible through a generous donation from the Quick Family in the honor of Oscar Edward Quick and Eugene Olof Quick. The Steer has the "OQ" brand, which was the brand that Olaf Quick registered in 1891. Marjorie and Don Quick gifted the bronze sculpture in honor of their father and grandfather, who were both Swedish descendents and later, citizens of Round Rock.
The statues would not be possible without generous contributions from Dell, William and Sissy Peckham and family, Ruth Koughan and the Quick family. Special thanks to Putt-Putt Golf and Games, Kiwanis Sunrise, Farmers Insurance, Wal-Mart Foundation, Round Rock New Neighbors, Moman Architects, Hall-Bargainer, Inc., Carter Burgess, Chasco Contracting, Utz Environmental Service, Artist and Sculptor Jim Thomas, City of Round Rock, Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the community of Round Rock.
To contribute to the Crossing Project, mail checks to the address below, call with credit card information or donate online now.