Dutch Gap Canal 1865

"Dutch Gap Canal" is a striking black and white photograph by Andrew Joseph Russell, taken in 1865. The image showcases the newly constructed canal in Virginia, a strategic feat of engineering during the American Civil War. The photograph captures the raw, untamed landscape, with the canal cutting through a steep, earthen bank, highlighting the scale and impact of the project. This work exemplifies Russell's prominent role as a photographer documenting the American Civil War, capturing a critical moment in the conflict's history. The image is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.