Courthouse in the Town of Independence, Missouri Showing Overland Travel, circa 1853

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Artifact Overview

Independence, Missouri, was the principle "jumping off" point for the American frontier during the mid-1800s. Emigrants traveling on the Santa Fe, Oregon, or California trails began at or passed through Independence. This engraving shows wagons loaded with supplies in front of the town's courthouse as settlers prepare to migrate west.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Subject Date

circa 1853

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Drawn after nature for the Proprietor Herrmann J. Meyer, engraved in Germany

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

82.129.623

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)
Matting (Supporting)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 8.75 in
Width: 6.25 in

Inscriptions

Printed on left side under image: DRAWN AFTER NATURE Printed center under image: INDEPENDENCE-- COURTHOUSE / (MISSOURI) Typed paper adhered under image on second mount: View of the town of Independence, Missouri during the period of overland travel by / wagons. Showing prairie schooners. / Steel engraving. German. / Date: about 1853
Courthouse in the Town of Independence, Missouri Showing Overland Travel, circa 1853