The Closing Era

The Closing Era is a bronze sculpture on the east side of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Created by Preston Powers, son of Hiram Powers, it depicts a Native American hunter standing over a dying bison and represents the end of the traditional Native American lifestyle in Colorado. The statue was originally made for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago before being donated to Colorado and placed on a granite base from Cotopaxi, Fremont County. A poem by John Greenleaf Whittier was commissioned for the base. Visitors can view this historic public artwork on the Capitol grounds, appreciating both its artistic detail and the story it tells about Colorado's past. The statue is a simple, outdoor attraction suitable for a quick stop during a walk around the Capitol area. No ticket or entry is needed, making it an easy addition to a sightseeing route. The surrounding Capitol grounds offer other points of interest as well.