1860: Westward the Course of the Empire makes its way. Leutze journeyed to the Rocky Mountains to make a topographical sketch of the area prior to painting this mural. In Leutze’s mural paintings, the topographical sketches are often more attractive than the final painted version. They show Leutze’s sensitivity of line and his exceptional drawing ability. Before starting this mural, he decided to learn the latest techniques in mural painting and ventured to Munich for a few days to consult Kaulbach, who at the time was considered the best mural painter in Germany.  In this painting, Leutze presented his pioneer wagon train with a sure sense of drama. The canvas is divided diagonally into realms of light and shadow, and the majority of his figures are struggling upward from the dark valley. Leutze focuses our attention on the rock platform in the middle distance, where a family gathers. It is not merely the West they are gazing upon, it is the Promise Land. Many of the people never made it to the "Promise Land" and were only left with glimpses of it in their minds. Much like the story in the Bible as Moses lead the slaves to their promise land.

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