Carleton Watkins: Making the American West

Carleton Watkins, one of the most influential photographers of the 19th century, played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic imagery of the American West. His stunning photographs of Yosemite Valley, giant sequoias, and other natural wonders captured the imagination of Americans and Europeans alike, helping to create a romanticized vision of the West as a pristine and untouched wilderness.

Carleton Watkins: Making the West American

by Tyler Green

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34389 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	593 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life and Career

Carleton Watkins was born in Oneonta, New York, in 1829. He moved to California in 1851 during the Gold Rush, where he initially worked as a surveyor. However, he soon became interested in photography, and by 1860, he had established himself as a professional landscape photographer.

Yosemite Valley

Watkins is best known for his photographs of Yosemite Valley, which he first visited in 1861. His images of the valley's towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests were among the first to capture the grandeur of this natural wonder. Watkins' photographs played a significant role in promoting tourism to Yosemite and helped to establish the valley as a national icon.

Giant Sequoias

In addition to his photographs of Yosemite, Watkins is also known for his images of giant sequoias, the massive trees that are native to the Sierra Nevada mountains. His photographs of these ancient trees, which were among the largest living things on Earth, captured their towering height and impressive girth. Watkins' sequoia photographs helped to raise awareness of the importance of these trees and contributed to efforts to protect them.

Legacy

Carleton Watkins died in 1916, but his legacy continues to live on. His photographs continue to be widely reproduced and exhibited, and they have been instrumental in shaping the way we see the American West. Watkins' work helped to create a sense of national pride and identity, and it played a significant role in the development of environmental conservation in the United States.

Carleton Watkins was a pioneer of American photography, and his work has had a profound impact on the way we experience the natural world. His photographs captured the beauty and grandeur of the American West, and they continue to inspire us today.

Carleton Watkins: Making the West American

by Tyler Green

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34389 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	593 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE