Trails to Rails: John Mix
Stanley and the Pacific Railroad Survey of the 1850s
February 1, 2014 - September 28, 2014
Object labels from the exhibition
- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), from a sketch by R.H. Kern,
printed by A. Hoen & Co. (Baltimore, MD)
- Sangre de Cristo Pass Looking Towards San Luis Valley,
ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 38th & 39th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.7
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- Aug 24- "Following the base of the Sierra Blanco
on our route, with the broad Valley of San Luis on our left, we encamped,
after traveling 14 miles, on a small stream from the mountain, which soon
sinks into the plain. . .we experienced considerable difficulty in driving
over the thick masses of sage which cover almost the entire surface of
this immense valley. . .the aeration of our present camp above sea is 7,638
feet. . .from this point to the foot of the pass where it opens into the
valley of San Luis, and thence to its summit, there is, unfortunately,
a want of clearness in the record of the estimated distances from point
to point where observations were made for distances of lever. . .but above
this point this pass is entirely practicable for a railroad. . ."
- -John W. Gunnison
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- Kern accompanied the Central Pacific Survey led under
Gunnison. Among many others on this expedition, Gunnison and Kern were
killed during a conflict with Ute Indians. Before his death, Kern made
sketches, including this image, later finished by Stanley.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), from a sketch by R.H. Kern,
printed by A. Hoen & Co. (Baltimore, MD)
- View of Sangre de Cristo Pass: Looking northeast from
Camp north of Summit Aug 11th, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 38th & 39th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.8
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- Aug 11- " . . . This descent was difficult, and
so sideling that we were obliged to hold the wagons by hand-ropes to prevent
their being overturned by following the rivulet from the river this difficulty
would be avoided , we ascended it from some distance through waving fields
of grass quite up to our saddle-girths; cutting a road for a short distance
through a forest of quaking-asp as we turned to our left, encamped, in
a shower of rain, amidst luxuriant fields of bluegrass (of the mountain
men) and flowers."
- -John W. Gunnison
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- Charles Koppel, printed by A. Hoen & Co. (Baltimore,
MD)
- Rounded Hills, Tertiary (Between Ocoya Creek and Posuncula
River), ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - California
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.2
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- Koppel used the figures to create a sense of scale. R.S.
Williamson, head of the Pacific Coast expedition, wrote of these hills,
"The perfectly even surface that they present, entirely bare of rocks
or vegetation of any size renders the ascent of the steep slope impossible."
When assembling the publication, A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore reproduced
Koppel's image using two main colors: brown and black.
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- Charles Koppel, printed by A. Hoen & Co. (Baltimore,
MD)
- Valley in the Slope of the Great Basin. Leading from
the Tejon Pass, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - California
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.4
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- Koppel served as the assistant civil engineer and official
artist of the expedition. Intrigued by the unique features of the Tejon
Pass he heavily documented the distinctive vegetation and terrain. John
G. Parke echoed these feelings in his journals, "The gently ascending
or descending slopes permit rapid travelling and the occasional ridges
and peaks offer inviting points of view"
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- Albert H. Campbell (1826-1899)
- Valley of the Aravaypa from Bear Springs, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 32d Parallel California
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.5
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- Campbell contributed sketches and illustrations for the
railroad Surveys of the 32nd and 39th parallels, travelling between the
Rio Grande and Pima villages on the Gila River, in today's Arizona and
New Mexico. The image depicts immense plains and distant mountains, and
is among the first images of the area to be produced in a geological survey
of this type.
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- Albert H. Campbell (1826-1899), printed by A. Hoen &
Co. (Baltimore, MD)
- Porphyritic Statue Peloncillo Range, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 32d Parallel California
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.6
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- As this was a geological survey attesting to the desirability
of a railroad route, artist Campbell sketched a porphyritic formation of
igneous rocks in this mountain range. John G. Parke described the land
resources:
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- "Section 1- Soil. The
richness of the soil of this plain is fully attested by the crops raised
by these Indians (Pima and Maricopa villages) but it is very doubtful whether
much of the bottom land can be made productive, other than that now cultivated
in the immediate vicinity, owing to the limited supply of water for irrigation,
the bed of the river being entirely dry at times below the villages."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Minnehaha or Brown's Falls Near Fort Snelling, ca.1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.9
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- "One of the curiosities
of our vicinity, which was sketched by Mr. Stanley, and which is shown
in the accompanying sketch, (No. 2,) is the Minne-ha-ha, or the Laughing
Water, called also Brown's Falls. It is situated west of the Mississippi
and distant about three miles from Fort Snelling. . .Though the magnitude
of this cascade is not such as to excite wonder, its picturesque beauty
and pleasing melody attract the admiration of every visitor."
- - Isaac I. Stevens, Governor
of Washington Territory.
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- Often translated as "Laughing Water," the correct
meaning of the Dakota word Minnehaha is "Waterfall". The alternate
name, Brown's Falls, was given in honor of Major General Jacob Brown in
the 1820s. Located near Fort Snelling and within today's Minneapolis, this
waterfall was a beautiful sight for those on the Northern Pacific Survey.
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- John .Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Sauk River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.10
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- Isaac I. Stevens wrote in his journal about the Sauk
River on June 16 1853, "Sauk River at our ford is about 120 feet wide,
though, owing to the obliquity of the banks and rapidity of current, the
ford is near 300 feet wide and the water is five feet deep." The next
day, the group crossed the river - "In the crossing of the Sauk by
the main train the India rubber boots were, for the first time, used .
. . a rope was stretched across the stream and the boats ferried across
by means of a ring attached to their bows and sliding along the rope .
. . some of the men were in the water for hours, but worked faithfully
and efficiently."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Pike Lake, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.13
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- Isaac I Stevens, leader of the Northern Pacific Survey,
considered the stop at Pike Lake as the "real starting point of the
expedition." He named the camp, "Camp Marcy, in honor of the
Secretary of State." The official artist of this Survey, Stanley sketched
the image from a distance, and included the number of tents, covered wagons,
and figures stationed at the camp.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Bois de Sioux River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.14
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- Using black, green, and blue ink, this lithograph of
the Bois de Sioux River (bordering today's Minnesota and North and South
Dakota) presents a crisp representation of a breathtaking landscape along
the Northern Pacific Survey. Isaac I. Stevens captured the experience in
his writings:
- ". . . undulating and
level prairies, skirted by woods of various growth, and clothed everywhere
with rich verdure; numerous and rapid streams, with innumerable but limpid
lakes, frequented by multitudes of water-fowl, most conspicuous among which
appears the stately swan ? these . . .make up the panorama of this extensive
district, which may be said to be everywhere fertile, beautiful, and inviting."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Maple River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.15
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- The Survey reports often included tips for future travelers
to the area. Isaac I. Stevens penned, "It would be an excellent plan
for an emigrant travelling through the country, before reaching one of
these rivers on which he expects to camp, to catch a few frogs, for the
purpose of fishing in these streams, which abound pike, picarel, and large
catfish. Frogs are by far the best bait that can be used." He found
the Maple River plentiful with resources.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Shyenne River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.16
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- On July 8, 1853, the Isaac I. Stevens party arrived at
the Shyenne River, in what is now North Dakota, after a march of about
15 miles. Stevens wrote, "Buttes in considerable number are seen ahead.
. .we went into camp about one o'clock, on the South and East side of the
Shyenne and a party was at once detailed to cut wood and prepare charcoal."
Stanley sketched a panoramic view of the area, using a human figure, at
right, to provide a sense of distance.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Lake Jessie, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.18
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- In 1852, the Smithsonian Institute displayed 150 of Stanley's
paintings, making the artist famous. The following year he accompanied
the Northern Survey under Isaac I. Stevens. Notice the inscription, "Stanley
Del." This means that Stanley originally drew the image. Lithographers
were hired to painstakingly reproduce the image using a lithography stone,
applying ink by hand.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Butte de Morale, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.19
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Distribution of Goods to the Assiniboines, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.20
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- The Isaac I. Stevens Party was grateful for the hospitality
of the Assiniboine people they encountered during the Northern Pacific
Survey expedition. Stevens commented, "I felt very grateful indeed
to those Indians, for their kindness to my men, their proffer of kind feeling
and hospitality to myself and the survey." Stevens provided presents
of trade goods to these people, and they provided him with 32 dressed skins
and 2 robes. They sat together and smoked a pipe as a symbol of welcome
and friendship. Stanley commemorated the event in this image.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Near Mouse River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.21
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- Stanley uses curvilinear lines to evoke the feel of sweeping
hills and plains near the Mouse River in modern-day North Dakota. Notice
the groupings of trees and rock formations that visually divide the expansive
landscape and create a pleasing scene.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Milk River, Near Junction of Missouri, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.23
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- Stanley's Milk River, Near Junction of Missouri
reflects a tranquil environment with copious resources; an Eden-like setting.
He purposefully centered resting deer in the center of the composition
to present a peaceful and pristine sight. The supply of spring water and
cottonwood trees would have appealed to those interested in the production
of the transcontinental railroad. Why would these be important?
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- A Cotton Wood Grove, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.25
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Milk River and Panther Mountain, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.26
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- "I dispatched a small party across Milk River to
Panther Hill (See sketch) to observe the country . . ." wrote Isaac
I. Stevens, leader of the Northern Pacific Survey. Stevens often sent Stanley
and other members of his party ahead to scout the upcoming terrain. Sending
smaller groups to assess the difficulties of the topography helped determine
what course to pursue.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Distribution of Good to the Gros Ventres, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.27
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- Stanley documented the encounter with the Gros Ventres
people at Milk River. The explorers were invited to the Gros Ventres camp
and the two groups exchanged gifts in friendship. The Stevens Party provided
". . . blankets, shirts, calico, knives, beads, paint, powder, shot,
tobacco, hard bread, etc."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Bear's Paw, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.30
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- Isaac I. Stevens recorded in his journal on August 30,
1853, "Yesterday we were in sight of the Bear's Paw, quite a broad
and rugged mountain upheaval, stretching from the Milk River to the Missouri."
The viewpoint of Stanley's image appears to be from a higher elevation
looking on toward the men on horseback. He may have travelled a small distance
away from the group in order to capture the full perspective of the landscape.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Lieut. Crovers Despatch - Return of Governor Stevens
to Fort Benton, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.24
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Fort Benton, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.32
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- When the Isaac I. Stevens Party arrived at Fort Benton,
Stanley sketched its structure and outlying area on the bank of the Missouri
near the Great Bend. Fort Benton's architecture starkly contrasts with
its natural surroundings. Of the fort, Stevens documented, "Its front
is made of wood and the other sides of adobe or unburned brick and contains
a dozen men and the families of several of them."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Marias River, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.33
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- Stanley accompanied Abiel Tinkham on a smaller expedition
toward the Marias River, covering a distance of about 30 miles from the
rest of the survey party. The artist studied the river and steep slopes
to visually document the region, as well as the difficulty of passing.
Of the river, notes taken included, "Water was 150 feet wide and 2-4
feet deep, slightly milky, with soft current and pebbly bottom."
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Approach to Cadotte's Pass, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.35
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Fort Owen - Flathead Village, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.37
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Victor's Camp - Hell Gate Ronde, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.38
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- The Isaac I. Stevens Party visited Victor, a Flathead
Chief. Stevens and Victor discussed the country, the winters, and other
Indians. Staying at camp at the junction of the Bitterroot and Hell Gate
(in today's Montana), Stevens decided to remain at this location until
the dispatched party led by Abiel Tinkham returned.
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- John Mix Stanley (1814-1872), printed by Sarony, Major
and Knapp (New York)
- Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham, ca. 1855
- USPRR Exp. & Surveys - 47th & 49th Parallels
- hand-colored lithograph
- Bequest of Owen Williams. 2013.4.39
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- Anxiously awaiting the return of a member of the party,
Stanley captured one of the more lighthearted moments of the journey. On
October 6, 1853, a huge joint of beef was put on the spit in readiness
for the returning man. Sgt. Simpson, the cook, bends over the fire. ".
. . with huge drops of perspiration rolling from his glowing red face,
a picture was presented which Mr. Stanley thought not unworthy a trail
of his pencil."
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