Sodbuster Scupture
Luis A. Jimenez
Installed in 1978 and designed by Luis A. Jiménez, Sodbuster honors the farmers and prairie workers who shaped the Great Plains. The Fargo Parking Authority secured a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) matching grant to commission a major public sculpture for Downtown Fargo, selecting Jiménez after a joint review by NEA representatives and local leaders.
Crafted from polychromed fiberglass, Sodbuster captures the grit and determination of homesteaders. A bearded farmer, dressed in overalls and a loose red shirt, guides two powerful, glossy-blue bulls as they surge forward, pulling a plow through tall waves of grass. The piece radiates energy and movement, embodying the resilience of the region.
Jiménez, influenced by Mexican muralists and American regionalists, was known for his bold, working-class themes and vibrant sculptural style. His distinctive approach made Sodbuster a striking addition to Fargo’s public art landscape, where it stood at Main Avenue and Broadway for over 20 years before weather damage led to its storage. In 1991, The City of Fargo entrusted its care to the Plains Art Museum, ensuring its preservation.
Now fully restored with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Sodbuster stands proudly at 101 4th Street North, continuing to honor the legacy of those who built this region.