Paxson was born in East Hamburg, New York, in 1852, and later moved to Montana where he became interested in the history of the American West. In the late 19th century, he became known for his paintings of Western landscapes and historical events.
Paxson began work on "Custer's Last Stand" in 1895 and completed it in 1899. The painting depicts the moment when General George Armstrong Custer and his men, who were part of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, are surrounded by a large force of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Custer is depicted in the center of the painting, fighting bravely with a pistol in one hand and a saber in the other, while his men are shown falling around him.
The painting is notable for its grand scale and dramatic composition, with the battle taking place in the background and Custer and his men in the foreground. Despite its popularity, the painting has been criticized for its romanticized portrayal of the event, with some arguing that it downplays the role of the Native American warriors and exaggerates the heroism of Custer and his men. Nevertheless, the painting remains a popular depiction of one of the most famous events in Western history.