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This sculpture by D. Michael Thomas is intended to be a scene from Wyoming in the 1890s, during the time of the Johnson County Cattle War.

An independent cowboy or small rancher brands a calf on the open range. Surprised at his work, he turns to see a rider from a large cattle outfit galloping threateningly toward him.

Small ranchers, like this cowboy, rode south from Buffalo on the morning of April 11, 1892, to confront “the Invaders” at the TA Ranch. Sheriff Red Angus, citizens of Buffalo and small ranchers laid siege to the gunmen. Three days later, troops from Fort McKinney, near Buffalo, arrived on the scene. The Invaders surrendered and were escorted to the fort, then sent to Cheyenne. They were never brought to trial.

The sculpture complements “Ridin’ for the Brand” nearby, as both pieces were commissioned by First National Bank of Buffalo as a gift to the citizens of Johnson County.