River View, Sentinel, 3270 Feet 1861

Carleton E. Watkins's *River View, Sentinel, 3270 Feet* (1861) is a striking example of 19th-century landscape photography. Watkins captured the grandeur of Yosemite Valley with a large-format camera, resulting in a crisp, detailed image. The composition emphasizes the towering Sentinel Rock, its imposing presence reflected in the calm waters of the Merced River. Watkins's work contributed to the growing appreciation of American wilderness and its importance as a national treasure, helping to establish Yosemite National Park.