Drew, a Hudson River steamer 1877

"Drew, a Hudson River Steamer" comes to us from the printmaking firm Currier and Ives, active in the late 19th century, an era defined by rapid industrialization and westward expansion. This chromolithograph presents the steamer "Drew" as a majestic vessel, symbolizing progress and luxury. Yet, it’s impossible to overlook the context of this progress. The Hudson River, a vital artery of commerce, was also a landscape deeply intertwined with the history of colonization, slavery, and displacement of indigenous peoples. The steamboat itself facilitated not only trade but also the movement of people and goods associated with these complex histories. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, a romanticized vision of American ingenuity that often obscures the social and environmental costs of its making. Consider the labor, often exploited, that fueled these industrial achievements and the environmental impact of steamboat travel on the Hudson River. As we admire the craftsmanship of this print, let’s also reflect on the layered histories it represents.