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Princeton University Library Collection of Western Americana Photographs, 1870-1915 (bulk) 1840-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:

144 boxes and 123 linear feet

Abstract:

Consists of a closed collection of more than 5,000 Western Americana photographs, consisting mostly of documentary photographs of the Trans-Mississippi West from the late 1860s to early 1900s, largely from the perspective of white photographers and settlers. Subjects include American Indians (especially studio portraits), natural wonders, cities, towns, buildings, and economic activities (mining, railroads, logging, and agriculture). Some photographs relate to the Indigenous populations of Mexico and Central America. The dimensions, physical formats, and photographic processes of the photographs vary widely.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

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"Photographs of North American Indians" Albums, circa 1840-1879 (inclusive)

Extent:

10 boxes and 13.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Consists of two disbound photograph albums containing 1,025 mounted albumen photographs of various Indigenous peoples of North America, including portraits of delegates to Washington, D.C.; expedition photographs; and early Western studio portraits by American photographers. Most of the photographs in the albums are described in the Numerical Index of William Henry Jackson's Descriptive Catalogue of the Photographs of North American Indians (1877), which is pasted to the albums.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

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Sheldon Jackson Collection of Indian Photographs, circa 1850-1890 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 boxes

Abstract:

Sheldon Jackson was a Presbyterian missionary in the Western United States in the 19th century. This collection consists of three portfolios with 576 photographic prints and 5 photomechanical photogravures of Native Americans and related subjects compiled by Jackson, possibly from negatives in the collections of the Bureau of American Ethnology and by ordering prints from various photographic trade catalogs.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]