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

This chromolithograph, "Steamship Niagara, Ward Line," is a part of the *Ocean and River Steamers* series of trading cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1887 for their Duke brand cigarettes. This card, featuring a side profile of a woman with a pink blouse, is partially obscuring a depiction of the steamship Niagara, which was a part of the Ward Line, a prominent shipping company in the late 19th century. The card showcases the steamship as it sails across the water, flying both the American and Ward Line flags. These trading cards were a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century and provided consumers with a glimpse into the world of travel and transportation.