The campaign to create a memorial to Buckey O'Neill began soon after his death. His friend Michael Hickey, owner of the Hotel St. Michael, launched a fund-raising campaign: a giant pumpkin was donated, raffled-and raffled again! "Buckey O'Neill" cigars were sold by a Prescott cigar maker, and school children donated their pennies.

View of Courthouse Plaza looking toward Cortez Street, about 1915.

In 1905 a legislative appropriation of $10,000 spurred the project to life. This funding came with a caution by Governor Joseph Kibbey that it must be " . . . a territorial monument to the Rough Rider heroes of all Arizona. . . ."

Couples pose next to the Rough Rider Monument, about 1915

According to Borglum's wife, Emma, a "homeless Scot" was the model for the rider's face. Forged at the Roman bronze Works in New York City, the statue arrived in Prescott by rail on June 28, 1907, despite a misrouting in New Mexico. The granite base came from near Thumb Butte. On July 3, 1907, after a "mile-long" parade, the memorial was dedicated by a large and emotional crowd.

Maurice and Pauline O'Neill in front of the Captain William O'Neill Rough Rider Monument at the 50th Rough Rider Reunion in 1948.

Courtesy Charles Herner.

One of several bas-reliefs cast by Solon Borglum for possible use on the Captain O'Neill Rough Rider Monument.

Courtesy Prescott Community Art Trust.

Invitation to Miss Sharlot M. Hall to attend the unveiling of the Captain O'Neill Rough Rider Monument.