Waco, Texas / Public art
"Branding the Brazos" Sculptures (Indian Spring Park)
A monumental bronze sculpture series by Robert Summers in Indian Spring Park, depicting a Chisholm Trail cattle drive with three cowboys and 25 longhorn cattle along the banks of the Brazos River.
What is the "Branding the Brazos" sculpture series?
It is a monumental bronze sculpture project by Robert Summers that pays homage to the Chisholm Trail and the cattle drives that spurred industry and growth in Waco.
What does the installation include?
The installation consists of larger-than-life bronze scenes featuring three riders on horseback—one white, one Hispanic, and one Black—and a herd of 25 longhorn cattle.
Where are the sculptures located?
The sculptures are located in Indian Spring Park in downtown Waco, on the west side of the Brazos River near the historic Waco Suspension Bridge.
What are the hours for the park?
Indian Spring Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
When was the project completed?
The project began with pieces unveiled in 2008 and was completed in 2014 after an eight-year project.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The "Branding the Brazos" sculptures are a towering art installation located in Indian Spring Park on the west side of the Brazos River in downtown Waco. Created by the nationally renowned sculptor Robert Summers of Glen Rose, Texas, this monumental project pays homage to the Chisholm Trail and the cattle drives that spurred industry and growth within the city. The installation consists of larger-than-life bronze scenes depicting a Chisholm cattle drive. The sculpture group includes three riders on horseback—one white, one Hispanic, and one Black—driving a herd of 25 longhorn cattle. This diverse representation of the trail riders reflects the history of the Texas development and the lore of the Chisholm Trail. The project was launched with a $1 million donation from local businessman Clifton Robinson and his wife, Betsy Robinson, with support from the Waco National Outdoor Sculpture program. The first pieces were unveiled in 2008 near the base of the Waco Suspension Bridge, and the entire eight-year project was completed in 2014. Visitors can admire these expressive sculptures while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding river and bridges from the park's natural sloping grass amphitheater.
Visitor tips
- The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Nearby context
Located in Waco's pedestrian-friendly River District, the sculptures are situated in Indian Spring Park right next to the historic Waco Suspension Bridge.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Indian Spring Park - City of Waco
Indian Spring Park (101 N. University Parks Dr.) sits next to the historic Waco Suspension Bridge along the Brazos River
waco-texas.com -
Indian Spring Park - Visit Waco, TX
Located in downtown Waco on the west side of the Brazos River, Indian Springs Park is home to several festivals and events each year.
destinationwaco.org -
Branding the Brazos - Cultural Arts of Waco
As a result of the support of the Waco National Outdoor Sculpture public at program BETSY & CLIFTON ROBINSON DONATE $1 MILLION FOR MONUMENT…
culturalartswaco.org -
Branding the Brazos Sculpture - Clio
Beginning with a donation from local businessman Clifton Robinson and his wife, Betsy Robinson, the Branding the Brazos sculptures pay trib…
theclio.com -
Celebrating 150 Years of the Chisholm Trail: Branding the Brazos in Waco, Texas
After an eight-year project, Summers’ work was completed in 2014 with the final pieces of a sculpture series being placed
texashillcountry.com -
Discover Waco - Baylor University
Indian Spring Park and the “Branding of the Brazos” Sculptures-- Paying tribute to the cattle drives spurring industry and growth within th…
waco.web.baylor.edu