Cathedral Woods, North Conway, N.H. c. mid 19th century

This stereograph, "Cathedral Woods, North Conway, N.H.", was made by N. W. Pease, presumably in the late 19th century. Its format speaks to a particular moment in the history of photographic technology and the rise of mass tourism. Stereographs like this one offered a readily available form of virtual tourism, allowing viewers to experience faraway places, like the White Mountains of New Hampshire, from the comfort of their homes. The "American Scenery" label tells us something about how the image was intended to be received. The wild landscape, tamed just enough by the path, was seen as a source of national pride and cultural identity. The figures in the image, possibly a family out for a stroll, emphasize the accessibility and safety of this wilderness experience. To understand the full significance of this image, we might look to period guidebooks, travel accounts, and the history of tourism in the White Mountains. Doing so would shed light on the cultural values and social practices that shaped both the production and consumption of this seemingly simple photograph.