Plate 1836 - 1843

This plate, dating to around 1827-40, was created by John Ridgway. The bucolic scene at its center reflects the romanticized vision of American expansion that was popular at the time. Consider, though, that this picturesque image of a lone figure tilling the soil obscures the realities of settler colonialism and its profound impact on indigenous populations. Manifest Destiny—the idea that white Americans were destined to expand across the continent—was used to justify the displacement and erasure of Native communities. The plate’s imagery fosters a narrative of progress and cultivation, yet it conveniently omits the violence, exploitation, and ecological transformation that accompanied westward expansion. While seemingly innocuous, the plate becomes a lens through which we can critically examine the stories we tell ourselves about our nation's past.