View of the High Falls of Trenton: West Canada Creek, N.Y. Possibly 1835

William James Bennett made this aquatint engraving of the High Falls of Trenton in New York at a time when such images played a key role in shaping perceptions of the American landscape. The Falls became a tourist attraction in the 19th century due to their dramatic beauty. At the time, American artists and writers were self-consciously creating a distinctive national culture, independent from that of Europe. Landscape painting was central to this project, and artists looked for sublime and picturesque views that would express the unique character of the American continent. The commercial print industry helped disseminate these images widely. Here, we can see how Bennett’s print participates in this cultural moment. By combining accurate topographical detail with romantic, dramatic lighting and figures enacting a scene of leisure, he invited viewers to appreciate the natural beauty of the American landscape. To understand this artwork more fully, historians consult tourist guides, travel writing, and other visual representations of the site. This helps us understand the social and institutional context in which it was made, consumed, and appreciated.