Portret van James Monroe Pattee before 1871

Edric Eaton made this photographic portrait of James Monroe Pattee in Omaha, Nebraska, sometime in the late 19th century. Tucked within the pages of a biographical directory, Pattee’s image testifies to the aspirations of men building their lives and careers in the American West. The photograph is presented alongside a lengthy biographical sketch, detailing Pattee's business acumen, energy, and status as a "gentleman". These directories, common in the late 19th century, were more than simple compilations. They actively shaped civic identity, constructing a narrative of progress rooted in individual achievement. Pattee's inclusion, alongside other leading citizens, cemented his place in the social and economic fabric of Omaha. Unlocking the nuances of this portrait requires delving into the local histories of Omaha, its economic development, and its social hierarchies. Resources like census data, city directories, and local newspapers can reveal the networks and institutions that shaped Pattee’s world. Only then can we fully grasp the portrait's meaning as a carefully constructed image of success in a specific time and place.