William henry jackson

William Henry Jackson, a renowned photographer, artist, and explorer, is best known for his work documenting the American West, including his experiences on the Oregon Trail and his later work photographing and painting the Yellowstone region. He personally witnessed and recorded the expansion of the West in thousands of photographs and paintings, significantly contributing to the establishment of Yellowstone as the nation's first national park.

Exhibit

william henry jackson

A black and white photo of a man sitting in front of a clock

Jackson's journey on the Oregon Trail:

Jackson's life began in Troy, New York, and Rutland, Vermont, and he later joined a wagon train headed to Salt Lake City in 1866, working as a bullwhacker.

Sketching the Trail:

While working on the Oregon Trail, Jackson found time to sketch his experiences, capturing the arduous journey.


After completing the Oregon Trail journey, Jackson returned to Omaha, Nebraska, where he became a photographer.

A black and white photo of a man with a mustache in a suit.

Jackson's later work and legacy:

Hayden Survey: In 1870, Jackson joined the Hayden Geological Survey, which led him to photograph Yellowstone, including the iconic Old Faithful.


Preservation of Yellowstone:

Jackson's photographs and paintings, along with Thomas Moran's art, played a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of Yellowstone and its designation as a national park.


Ongoing Artistic Contributions:

After his expeditions, Jackson continued to photograph, paint, and draw, documenting his travels and the American West.


National Park Service Connection:

The National Park Service created the William Henry Jackson Wing at Scotts Bluff National Monument to house his works, showcasing his legacy as a pioneer photographer and artist. The Scotts Bluff National Monument holds the largest collection of the William Henry Jackson paintings in the world. Park visitors can immerse themselves in Jackson’s vibrant tapestry of American Western History as seen through the eyes of an intrepid explorer and pioneer in American Art and photography, and it all started in Nebraska City as he headed out Westward.