Steamship Pilgrim, Fall River Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

The Steamship Pilgrim, Fall River Line, was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920 as part of a series of cigarette cards. These small cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the aesthetics and values of the late 19th century. Juxtaposing an idealized image of a fair-skinned woman with the steamship "Pilgrim" and waving American flags, this card speaks volumes about the era's aspirations and self-image. The Fall River Line represents a specific chapter in American maritime history when steamships connected New York and Boston. However, this card also participates in the broader cultural project of the time, linking notions of progress, femininity, and national identity. The woman’s image, framed and set apart, evokes ideals of beauty and purity that were strategically deployed in advertising and popular culture. The inclusion of the steamship symbolizes technological advancement and national pride, subtly reinforcing a narrative of American exceptionalism. These cards reflect and shape societal values, intertwining commerce, gender, and national identity in ways that continue to resonate today.