Artist in Castle Rock carves cowboy sculpture from 200-year-old Colorado stump
A talented artist in Castle Rock, Colorado, is turning a deceased tree into a beautiful cowboy sculpture that pays tribute to the area’s Western heritage. The Hangman’s Gulch Trail, an essential link between the east and west sides of town, now boasts this stunning addition. According to local legend, the gulch earned its sinister name after an outlaw was hanged there for killing a homesteader even before Colorado officially became a state. Whispers of the outlaw’s lingering spirit add to the area’s mystique. Unfortunately, the ancient tree that may have witnessed the outlaw’s demise died and had to be removed for safety. However, rather than seeing this as a loss, the town and an artist named Billy LaFleur viewed it as an opportunity to create something beautiful.
Billy LaFleur began working on the 200-year-old tree trunk in April, meticulously crafting it into a cowboy sculpture as a testament to Castle Rock’s history. “The cowboy is a symbol of our Western heritage, and I really wanted the tree to be part of this piece,” LaFleur explained. Using a chainsaw and smaller tools, LaFleur breathed life into the old tree, creating a cowboy leaning against a tree, holding a lasso, and reflecting a hint of weariness on his face. Working within the constraints of the tree trunk’s form presented challenges, as LaFleur carefully navigated space to properly depict the cowboy’s posture, hands, hat, and feet within the tree’s confines.
This creative project was made possible by a Castle Rock Arts and Culture Grant, with Marne Hansen, the executive director of the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation, overseeing the initiative. “Castle Rock was established in 1874 during the era of cattle drives from breeding grounds in the north to Texas. This sculpture serves as a way to connect people to our rich Western heritage,” Hansen explained. She further highlighted the upcoming 150/250 celebration of Colorado and the USA, underscoring the importance of showcasing Castle Rock’s unique heritage during this milestone year of celebration.
As LaFleur continues to refine the cowboy sculpture, he will focus on defining the character’s hands, feet, lasso, and attire. “My goal is to capture the essence of the hardships faced by people living in this area over 150 years ago. While somber, this piece aims to honor the challenges endured by early settlers,” LaFleur remarked. This collaborative effort between the artist, Castle Rock community, and local authorities exemplifies the town’s commitment to preserving its history and celebrating its storied Western past.