In the Land of Promise 1886

Frederick Juengling created this wood engraving, "In the Land of Promise," to depict the experience of immigrants arriving in America in the late 19th century. The scene shows a crowded waiting room, filled with new arrivals and their belongings. The title suggests the hope and expectation that these immigrants brought with them, yet the imagery hints at the harsh realities they would face. The composition highlights the close quarters and the sense of displacement that comes with leaving one's home. Juengling, himself an immigrant from Germany, was acutely aware of the social and economic challenges faced by newcomers to America. Wood engravings like this one were often published in newspapers and magazines, bringing these issues to a wider audience. By studying these images and the publications in which they appeared, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions and attitudes toward immigration in the late 19th century.