On May 6, a life-size bison weighing nearly 3,000 pounds was installed at the Golden Spike National Historical Park in Promontory, Utah, at the site where the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad connected the first transcontinental rail line on May 10, 1869. The bronze work, created by Utah artist Michael Coleman, is titled Distant Thunder and is meant to represent the sound of the wild bison that once roamed the area, and the locomotives that united the coasts.
Michael Coleman—back, second from left—stands next to his son, painter Nicholas Coleman, and family members during the unveiling of his bronze bison monument. Naoma Tate, far left, commissioned the piece and gifted it to the park.
The piece was commissioned by Naoma Tate and the Family of Hal Tate, who donated it the Golden Spike National Historical Park. It was unveiled at a low-key ceremony, due to the ongoing health restrictions, just days prior to the 151st anniversary of the Golden Spike event, which was attended by thousands of people and commemorated in Andrew J. Russell’s famous photo, East and West Shaking Hands at Laying of Last Rail.
Michael Coleman and Naoma Tate, who commissioned the work, in the artist’s Utah studio
The public will have a chance to see Coleman’s magnificent bronze work when the park reopens, likely this summer.
Calling all Western Art museums! Have a recently acquired painting or sculpture? Email the details to editor@westernartcollector.com.
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