Harpers Ferry from Below 1825 - 1827

Thomas Doughty created this watercolor painting, "Harpers Ferry from Below," in the early 19th century. It presents a serene view of the town nestled within its dramatic natural surroundings. Doughty's artistic choices reflect the cultural values of his time, particularly the emphasis on the sublime beauty of the American landscape, and the institution of landscape painting. But Harpers Ferry was also a manufacturing town. Knowing this prompts questions about how it can be both an industrial center and picturesque vista. One can research the social and economic factors that shaped the development of Harpers Ferry, including its role in the early industrial revolution and its later significance in the lead-up to the Civil War. Through historical contextualization, the painting becomes more than just a pretty picture. It provides insight into the complex relationship between nature, industry, and society in 19th-century America.