St. Anthony Falls 1860

This 1860 photograph by Benjamin Franklin Upton, entitled "St. Anthony Falls," captures the aftermath of a devastating flood. The image shows a mill building on the banks of the Mississippi River, its once-smooth dam now broken and surrounded by debris. The scene, a stark testament to the destructive power of nature, provides a glimpse into the early history of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Upton's carefully composed image emphasizes the vast scale of the damage and the turbulent nature of the river, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.