Shawanese Lake c. 1895

William H. Rau captured this image of Shawanese Lake using a photograph, a medium gaining prominence in the late 19th century. The tranquil scene belies the historical context of westward expansion and industrialization that deeply impacted Native American communities. The name "Shawanese" itself is a reference to the Shawnee people, signaling their historical presence in this landscape, a presence now reduced to a placename. The steamboat might represent technological progress, but it also symbolizes displacement and the transformation of natural landscapes into resources for industry and leisure. How do we reconcile the serene beauty of the lake with the knowledge of its complex history? This photograph invites us to reflect on the layers of meaning embedded in landscapes and how they reflect power dynamics and cultural narratives. The image thus prompts reflection on themes of memory, erasure, and the ongoing dialogue between the past and present.