The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post – today, I want to show a statue that sits on second street in Edmond in front of the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) campus. Let’s get started!

The plaque reads:

“David Dean McGary (1958-2023) was a natter Western American sculptor known as the Master of Realism. Mr, McGary said one of his proudest accomplishments was ‘having documented, with respect, the culture of Native American people.’ Numerous monumental bronze sculptures by Mr. McGary were placed in museums and public spaces in the United States during his lifetime.”

Chief Touch the Clouds

1838-1905

Lakota Sioux Warrior, known for his bravery and skill in battle, his physical strength, and his diplomacy in counsel.

Served as an Indian scout

Cousin of Crazy Horse

Delegate to Washington, D.C. in 1877

Lakota Chief at the Cheyenne River Agency in 1881

Vocal advocate for his people

“The Touch the Clouds sculpture was purchased by the Edmond City Council from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in November, 2013, and relocated in May 2015 from the Houston Astrodome, where it had stood since 1998 when it was gifted by the artist to the Livestock Show.”

Visit

732 US-77

Edmond, OK 73034