I came across this unusual piece of street art when recently visiting Helena, the capitol of Montana.
The city was founded during a gold rush in 1864. Back then the region was supplied with goods shipped by wagon from Fort Benton. Oxen pulled these wagons; bullwhackers walked beside them, cracking whips over the bovine’s heads to motivate them to keep moving on.
The statue was crafted by John B. Weaver and is installed in a popular pedestrian mall, Last Chance Gulch.
I took these photos at dusk, so lighting was a little tricky. I kind of liked the silhouette of the Bullwhacker against the building in the background of the photo shown below, which highlights the full length of his whip:
