Standard Petroleum Refinery, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania c. 1865

Thomas H. Johnson created this stereograph of the Standard Petroleum Refinery in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This image offers us a glimpse into the rapid industrial expansion of the United States, where Pittsburgh was a hub for industries like steel and oil. The refinery, with its towering smokestacks, represents a significant turning point in how energy production transformed the landscape, and also highlights the labor practices of the time. Consider the workers who toiled in these factories, many of whom were immigrants or migrants seeking economic opportunities, and their experiences were often fraught with hardship. As you look at this image, reflect on the environmental impact of such industries. While this photograph is a testament to progress, it also prompts us to consider the social and ecological costs of industrialization and its lasting effects on our communities.