Columbia, New York excursion steamship, built 1877 1877

"Columbia, New York excursion steamship, built 1877" was created by Currier and Ives and it depicts an elaborate steamship navigating turbulent waters. Reflecting on the late 19th century, this print speaks to the rise of leisure culture and commercialized entertainment. The steamship becomes a vessel not only for transportation, but also for social experiences, hinting at a culture of leisure available to a wider range of the population. But let’s consider who was excluded from this picture of leisure. This image invites a dialogue about labor, immigration, and the complex social stratifications of the time. In its depiction of leisure and progress, the print also obscures the labor and inequalities that made such scenes possible, maintaining traditional representations of the era. The image does not highlight the experiences of marginalized communities who were instrumental in building and maintaining these steamships. While presenting a seemingly idyllic scene, this print prompts reflection on the layered realities of American life in the late 19th century.