The paint pots before 1887

Frank Jay Haynes made this photograph titled ‘The Paint Pots’ sometime around the late 19th century. Haynes was the official photographer for the Northern Pacific Railroad, and his images of Yellowstone National Park played a crucial role in promoting tourism and shaping the visual identity of the American West. What is the public role of such images? We should look closely at how Haynes' photograph creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The image constructs a narrative of sublime natural beauty, inviting viewers to imagine themselves as intrepid explorers of untouched landscapes. Consider the historical context: this photograph was made during a period of westward expansion, industrialization, and increasing urbanization in the United States. Yellowstone, established in 1872, became a symbol of national pride, a place to preserve wilderness, and a resource to be exploited for economic gain. Understanding this image necessitates archival research, exploring railway company records, tourist ephemera, and government documents. By examining these resources, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and national identity in shaping our understanding of the American West.