Wissahickon Creek c. 1900

This photograph of Wissahickon Creek was captured by Henry Troth, an American photographer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Troth, who dedicated much of his artistic practice to documenting the natural landscapes of Pennsylvania, presents us here with a serene view of the creek. During Troth’s time, there was a growing interest in preserving natural spaces amidst rapid industrialization. The Wissahickon Valley became a popular subject for artists and photographers, symbolizing an escape from urban life. This work invites us to consider the complex relationship between nature and culture in the United States at the turn of the century. As the nation expanded, claiming lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples, the act of photographing nature became not just an aesthetic pursuit but also a commentary on land use, ownership, and the environmental impact of colonial expansion. Troth's image invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the natural world and the histories embedded within these landscapes.