Collage of historical images and cartoons of the American Civil War

Visual Culture of the American Civil WarA Special Feature of Picturing US History

North Adams from Robinson Hill

This stereoscopic view shows North Adams, Massachusetts, one of many New England towns that underwent rapid industrial growth during the 1860s and 1870s. The town became a thriving center for the production of the blue cloth required for outfitting the Union army. Industrial landscapes, often the work of local photographers, were a staple of mid-century photography, heralding localities' development. This image shows North Adams from the vantage point of Robinson Hill, where the 4.75 mile-long Hoosac Tunnel, completed in 1875 after almost 25 years of excavation, connects western Massachusetts to Albany, New York. This stereoscopic view shows North Adams, Massachusetts, one of many New England towns that underwent rapid industrial growth during the 1860s and 1870s. The town became a thriving center for the production of the blue cloth required for outfitting the Union army. Industrial landscapes, often the work of local photographers, were a staple of mid-century photography, heralding localities' development. This image shows North Adams from the vantage point of Robinson Hill, where the 4.75 mile-long Hoosac Tunnel, completed in 1875 after almost 25 years of excavation, connects western Massachusetts to Albany, New York.

Creator: Henry Ward

Source: Robert N. Dennis Collection of Stereoscopic Views, New York Public Library

Date: c. 1871

Rights: New York Public Library