"Wild Hall" 1866

This is a stereoscopic card, “Wild Hall,” made by Chas. Waldack. It shows a view inside Mammoth Cave. Stereoscopic cards like these were very popular in the mid-19th century, offering a sort of virtual reality experience. The dual images, when viewed through a stereoscope, create a three-dimensional effect, transporting the viewer to another place. They became a valuable commodity of the developing tourism industry, allowing people to see places they might never visit, and to bring back proof of those experiences. Mammoth Cave, located in Kentucky, became a tourist destination in the early 19th century. It catered to a growing interest in natural wonders and the sublime. Photography was a powerful tool in capturing and disseminating these images and Waldack was among many other photographers who took advantage of these trends. The image here has been artificially lit with magnesium flash technology, which may have added to its appeal. By delving into archives and photographic collections, we can examine the role of photography in shaping our perception and commodification of nature.