Traffic Jam at Limestone Gap

by Wayne Cooper

The Texas Road started near Baxter Springs, Kansas, in about 1800. It followed the Grand River and exited at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where it was called the Osage Trace. As Texas began to develop, the road was extended to Dallas. It was the reason for the location of Fort Gibson and A. P. Chouteau's Trading Post.

More cattle and other goods were shipped on the Texas Road than all other trails and roads of Oklahoma. The MK&T railroad was built on this route in 1872 and is now the location of U.S. Highway 69, all of which go through Limestone gap in northern Atoka County. The Choctaw Indians built a bridge across Limestone Creek and charged a toll to pass, thus creating Oklahoma's first toll bridge. The painting depicts cattle going north to market and commercial wagons bringing goods south to Texas.

Traffic Jam at Limestone Gap by Wayne Cooper was dedicated on April 19, 1999. The commission was managed by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

The painting is located outside the Oklahoma State Senate lounge on the fourth floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol and can be viewed daily from 8:30-5:30 when the Senate is not in session.

The Artist

Wayne Cooper is an acknowledged national painter known for his portrayals of Western and American Indian subjects. He comes from a background of Indian heritage and was raised on a small ranch gaining first hand knowledge of Oklahoma ranch life.

Cooper is listed in Artists USA, Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who in American Art, International Who’s Who in Art and Antiques, Universal Directory of the Art and Personalities of the Americas, and others.

His works consist of oils, water colors, charcoals, pencil, sculpture (bronzes) and lithographs. His works are held in many private and public collections worldwide, including the halls of the Oklahoma State Senate and House of Representatives.