Gezicht op de Horseshoe Falls, gezien vanaf Goat Island in de winter 1866 - 1910

This stereograph presents a winter view of the Horseshoe Falls from Goat Island, captured by George E. Curtis. It's hard to ignore the implications of landscape photography during a time of westward expansion, as it often functioned to promote settlement and resource extraction. However, beyond this historical context, there's something in the stillness of this winter scene that invites reflection. The frozen falls evoke a sense of suspended time, a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the rush of progress. Indigenous peoples have long held a deep connection to the land, viewing natural formations like Niagara Falls as sacred sites. Curtis' photograph, while framed through a colonial lens, unwittingly captures a sense of the sublime, a recognition of nature's enduring power and beauty. While the falls have always been a popular tourist destination, the landscape also carries the weight of displacement and cultural disruption. This photograph serves as a reminder of the complex layers of history embedded in the land, inviting us to consider the multiple narratives that shape our understanding of place and identity.