Birdsey Breaker, Archbald, Del. & Hudson Canal Co. c. 1863 - 1865

"Birdsey Breaker, Archbald, Del. & Hudson Canal Co." is a photographic depiction of a coal breaker, a processing plant used to separate coal from rock, in Archbald, Pennsylvania. The image captures the industrial landscape of the era, showcasing the breaker's imposing size and the surrounding town. Taken between 1863 and 1865 by Thomas H. Johnson, this photograph offers a glimpse into the development of the coal mining industry in the mid-19th century. The detail and composition of the image highlight the importance of coal mining to the local economy. This work is representative of the genre of industrial photography, capturing a vital aspect of American industrial history.