Carrying the Legacy - The Villages, Florida USA
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N 28° 50.518 W 082° 01.380
17R E 400205 N 3190907
A cowboy and his dog move a small herd of cattle at the end of a day's work in an expansive display of multiple statues honoring the occupation of the Cracker Cowboy. It's at the gateway entrance to Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM105AT
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 03/01/2019
Views: 4
A cowboy and his dog move a small herd of cattle at the end of a day's work in an expansive display of multiple statues honoring the occupation of the Florida Cracker Cowboy. It is at the gateway entrance to Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages, Florida.
This art work is made up of several life-size pieces in cast bronze. Along with a functional windmill, the group forms the Old World Florida-themed main gateway entrance to the town square at Brownwood. It sits at the junction of Meggison Road with state road FL-44. The site is about a quarter mile south of Brownwood Paddock Square and is the southernmost entrance to Brownwood. The elements are spread out along a paved and landscaped area which is about 100 yards long and 20 yards wide.
The heard contains a dozen head of mature cattle, plus a newborn calf. The cowboy rides a horse and carries the calf across his lap. (Note: In my photos, an actual live bird perched on top of his cowboy hat...and wasn't bothered enough by me to fly away!) His dog runs along the left side of the horse. Just ahead and to the right of the rider is a bull. A bronze plaque is mounted close to the ground on a porous coral stone to the left of the bull. It reads:
CARRYING THE LEGACY
by J. Michael Wilson
Brownwood has chosen to "Carry the Legacy" of the Florida
Cracker Cowboy and cattle with this bronze sculpture.
A Cracker Cowboy riding on horseback has just
introduced a newborn calf to the herd as a proud bull
stands guard while the calf is reunited with his mother.
The cattle are making the journey home and the dog has
completed his duties. Just a typical day, but the beginning
of a legacy and reminder of the rich heritage and times found
in Florida's early development.
Mike lives and works in Northern Utah. His work can be seen
at Mountain Trails Galleries in both Jackson, Wyoming and
Park City, Utah. www.mountaintrailsgalleries.com
Please use caution when you visit this Waymark! There is no safe place to park and exit a vehicle in the immediate area. You can find parking closer to the town square and a sidewalk leading back towards the display.
Sector of the workforce: Cowboy
Created or Donated by which group: J. Michael Wilson
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