Grassy Island Shaft, Del. & Hudson Canal Co. c. 1863 - 1865

This albumen silver print of the Grassy Island Shaft, Del. & Hudson Canal Co. was created sometime between 1860 and 1870 by Thomas H. Johnson. This was an era in which America was rapidly industrializing. The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, originally founded to transport coal, was a key player in this transformation. What we see here is not just a landscape but a representation of industrial progress and its impact on the environment. The image presents a stark contrast between the natural world – the rolling hills and dense forests – and the industrial structure imposed upon it. The imposing brick chimney signifies the burning of fossil fuels, with smoke visible in the image. The cropped trees are a reminder of the environmental cost of industrialization. Images like this played a significant role in shaping public perception of industrial growth. Analyzing historical documents like company records, environmental reports, and local newspapers can give us a deeper understanding of how this industrial development was perceived and contested in its time.