Tutucanula, El Capitan 1861

Carleton E. Watkins's 1861 photograph "Tutucanula, El Capitan" is a stunning example of landscape photography from the American West. Watkins, a pioneer in the field, captured the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, showcasing the sheer scale and natural beauty of El Capitan. The image features a river flowing through a dense grove of trees, providing a dramatic foreground to the towering granite cliff that dominates the composition. This iconic photograph helped popularize Yosemite Valley as a destination for tourism and played a significant role in the establishment of the park.