On his journey, Catlin encountered forts and trading posts founded only a few years earlier. Fort Leavenworth, in northeastern Kansas, was established in 1827 as the westernmost garrison of the United States. There from 1830 to 1832, Catlin painted a number of tribes who had moved west of the Mississippi as a result of President Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act and settled near the fort. In 1832 he met Indians living to the west who were veteran traders with the fur companies. Most of these Indians were becoming more dependent on frontier civilization, as suggested by the peace medals and trade items they wear. La-dóo-ke-a, Buffalo Bull, a Grand Pawnee Warrior, 1832 Pawnee, oil 29 x 24 in. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr. 1985.66.100    Catlin called his Indian Gallery a "collection of Nature's dignitaries." He painted many tribes and learned through experience to choose his individual subjects with care, honoring traditions and tribal sensibilities by seeking out leaders and others of extraordinary talent or accomplishment, the "dignitaries" who represented the best in a community. Shón-ka-ki-he-ga, Horse Chief, Grand Pawnee Head Chief 1832 Pawnee oil Smithsonian American Art Museum Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr. 1985.66.99