Crossing the Plains in '49, 1915

This painting is a study for a much larger seven by ten foot canvas that Hill painted. The finished painting was accepted by Governor W. D. Stephens on behalf of the people of California, and in 1921 was hung in the State Capitol building in Sacramento. Hill painted "Crossing the Plains" as a tribute to the California Pioneers, and to his own father Elijah Putnam Hill. Shortly after Andrew was born, Elijah set out for California. He reached Amador City, California, but died seven days later from the strain and exposure caused by the trip. When asked about the painting, Hill stated, "'Crossing the Plains' reincarnates and perpetuates the spirt of adventure, the indomitable courage, the indifference to hardship, the dogged purpose and the idealistic vision which spurred men and women to give up the comforts and culture of civilization and blaze a trail to unknown homes and through untold dangers." On display at the Paulson House in History Park.