Minneapolis 1857

This albumen print of Minneapolis was made by Benjamin Franklin Upton sometime in the mid-19th century. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the early development of the city, capturing a moment of transition and expansion. The image shows us a landscape dotted with modest houses and buildings, indicative of a growing community. But what really stands out is the raw lumber piled in the foreground, a visual signifier of construction and progress. The dirt roads and sparse landscaping tell a story of a city in the making, one where the natural landscape is gradually being overtaken by human development. This photograph documents the American drive for expansion, the ideology of Manifest Destiny playing out in the urban landscape. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the historical and economic context of Minneapolis at the time. Archival records, city planning documents, and accounts from early settlers can provide deeper insights into the forces that shaped this evolving urban center. Art, after all, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.