Locomotive #133, U.S.M.R.R. 1861 - 1865

Andrew Joseph Russell made this photograph of Locomotive #133, U.S.M.R.R., in the United States, around the 1860s. It depicts one of the first locomotives used on the U.S. Military Railroad. Here, we can see how the image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations, as a symbol of industrialization and military might. Consider how specific features of that culture, such as the American Civil War and its economic structures, might have influenced this artwork. It may have been a progressive piece for its time, but it could be seen as conservative today. Understanding art requires considering its social and institutional context. Historical societies, archives, and museum collections can help us understand the role of photography in documenting and promoting American expansion and technological progress.