The idea for a memorial was initially broached by American Shooters, Inc. under the direction of President and Board Chairman Mick Catron. He is an Army Green Beret veteran. His company formed a foundation and approached the Las Vegas City Council for permission to begin seeking a site and raise charitable funds. He was aided by Scott Tiano, executive director of the foundation. Tiano is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. A nationwide competition was conducted amongst artists who submitted their concepts to the foundation. In addition, various Las Vegas locations were scouted before settling on the current State-owned two-acre site.

Many Native Americans (indigenous peoples) participated in the American Revolution. However, the vast majority of these warriors sided with the British. Two of the central reasons Native Americans fought on behalf of the British were the latter’s ability to supply the Indians with trade goods, including silver and weapons; and a shared goal of defeating the colonists who many natives viewed as invaders.

There is evidence of a handful of tribes who sided with the colonists. One of the outstanding examples is the Stockbridge Indians who were of Mohican heritage. They had moved to northern New York State from Stockbridge, Massachusetts, before the French and Indian War. They fought for the British in that conflict. In particular, they had worked with Rodger’s Rangers, forming a company in that unit. In battles, they were known as skilled scouts, warriors and light infantry. When conflict erupted between the British and the colonials, the Stockbridge Indians sided with the colonists. Noted for skill and gallantry, they were the first tribe to pledge loyalty to the American cause.