Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie, mural

Artist: Terry Smith

Location: St. Johns Avenue at N. Tenth Street

Size: 14' x 104'

Sponsors: W. F. Tilton Family, Cattlemen

 

Sponsored by the Tilton family, this mural depicts several of the family members in scenarios from the early 20th century, when cattle driving was in its heyday.

In the background, you can see cattle coming across the river on a wooden bridge which connected to the land directly in front of historic First Presbyterian Church. From there, they were driven to Paynes Prairie, located just south of Gainesville, Florida, to be fattened up for market.

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie, left panel

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie, right panel

The Dedication Ceremony drew a large crowd on a beautiful day. Check out these photos...

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie Dedication, audience1

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie Dedication, audience2

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie Dedication, guest

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie Dedication, guest2

Cattle Drive to Paynes Prairie Dedication, guest3