A Reconnaissance

1900

Harper's drops him; he writes a novel

As an economy move, Harper's drops Remington as its star artist. To compensate for the lost work he writes and illustrates a full-length novel, The Way of an Indian, intended for serialization by a Hearst publication; his protagonist, a Cheyenne named Fire Eater, is a prototype Native American as viewed by Remington and many of his time.

1900

The island of Ingleneuk on the St. Lawrence River

He buys an island on the US side of the St. Lawrence River and calls it Ingleneuk: a summer residence with a cottage, studio and outbuildings on five acres, hidden by dense trees. A reporter wrote in 1907 that Remington lived there like a feudal lord of old and that nobody could disturb him at his work.

by 1901

Collier’s buys his illustrations on a steady basis

By 1901 Collier’s is buying Remington’s illustrations on a steady basis. As his style matures, Remington portrays his subjects in every light of day.

after 1902

Decides to give up writing and illustration

After “John Ermine” Remington decides he will soon quit writing and illustrating — he has drawn over 2,700 illustrations — to focus on sculpture and painting.

1904

The stage play of “John Ermine” fails

In 1904 a stage play based on “John Ermine” fails.