Red River Carts 1858

This photograph of Red River Carts was taken by Benjamin Franklin Upton sometime in the mid-19th century, using the wet collodion process. A truly remarkable technique, requiring glass plates to be coated, sensitized, exposed, and developed, all within the space of about fifteen minutes. The resulting image bears witness to the labor of 19th-century commerce. The carts themselves, built entirely of wood, were assembled with considerable skill, and without the use of any metal. The carts were clearly made for hard work, and the men are shown taking a break. The photograph’s sepia tones and soft focus give a sense of the harsh conditions and sheer effort involved in moving goods across great distances. This wasn't just a job; it was a way of life, deeply connected to the landscape and the communities that depended on this trade. Understanding the materiality and the making of this image allows us to appreciate the social and economic context it represents.