After the Civil War, Major Frank North enlisted one hundred Pawnee scouts in campaigns against the Sioux. Later, a contingent of two hundred Pawnee was formally designated as North's Battalion and provided security for the Union Pacific Railroad's expansion across the Plains.

From the wheel at left, the eye travels through a vast range of unique moments without rest in this painting: the men studying a map, their compatriots and horses, the atmospheric smoke, a central rider looking down, the Pawnee crouched, the high-hat individual with the important angled rifle, and the flag at right with many Pawnee waiting in the distance. The eye rests a moment in the foreground. Upon its completion Howard proclaimed it an "overwhelming experience." The individuals are distinct, yet linked, to make this an historic moment.