Pacific Railroad Survey Collection

Herd of Bison Near Lake Jessie, North Dakota, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Herd of Bison Near Lake Jessie, North Dakota, USA, 1856. A large herd of buffalo graze near Lake Jessie in North Dakota. Print from Reports of Explorations

The Black Forest Mount Hope and Sierra Prieta, USA, 1856. Artist: E Stout
The Black Forest Mount Hope and Sierra Prieta, USA, 1856. Print from Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable

Grand Coulee, Washington, USA, 1856. Artist: Gustav Sohon
Grand Coulee, Wahington, USA, 1856. A view of the Grand Coulee that extends from the head of present-day Grand Coulee Dam over fifty miles southwest to Ephrata, Washington

Camp Stevens, looking westward, Montana, USA, 1856. Artist: Gustav Sohon
Camp Stevens, looking westward, Montana, USA, 1856. Camp Stevens served as a base for metereological observation and side explorations in the Rocky Mountains for the United States Pacific Railroad

Distribution of goods to the Gros Ventres 26 August 1853 (1856). Artist: John Mix Stanley
Distribution of goods to the Gros Ventres, 26 Augiust 1853 (1856). Isaac Stevens distributes goods to the Gros Ventre on the banks of the Milk River in Montana

Milk River, with Bears Paw Mountain in the distance, Montana, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Milk River, with Bears Paw Mountain in the distance, Montana, USA, 1856. Print from Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable

Crossing the Hellgate River, 6 January 1854 (1856). Artist: John Mix Stanley
Crossing the Hellgate River, 6 January 1854 (1856). Print from Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable

The Rocky Mountains, looking westward, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
The Rocky Mountains, looking westward, USA, 1856. The United States Pacific Railroad Survey party crosses an area west of present-day Helena, Montana

Cheyenne River, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Cheyenne River, USA, 1856. Members of the United States Pacific Railroad Survey exploration party camp near the Cheyenne River in present day North Dakota

Hot Springs at their source in Lou Lou Fork, Bitterroot Mountains, Montana, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Hot Springs at their source in Lou Lou Fork, Bitterroot Mountains, Montana, USA, 1856. A print from Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable

The Marias River, Montana, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
The Marias River, Montana, USA, 1856. Looking up the Marias River to Fort Benton on a bluff above the river in central Montana

Milk River, Near Junction of Missouri, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Milk River, Near Junction of Missouri, 1856. View of the Milk River near the junction of the Missouri River in Montana on August 18, 1853

Columbia River, Junction of the Des Chutes, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Columbia River, Junction of the Des Chutes, 1856. The Columbia River at the junction of the Deschutes River near present-day Maryhill, Washington

Fort Owen, Flathead Village, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Fort Owen, Flathead Village, USA, 1856. The United States Pacific Railroad Survey party at Fort Owen near present-day Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana

Awaiting the Return Of Mr Tinkham, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Awaiting the Return Of Mr Tinkham, 1856. Members of the United states Pacific Railroad Survey at camp near the Hell Gate River three miles above its junction with the Bitterroot in Montana

Fort Okinakane, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Fort Okinakane, USA, 1856. View of Fort Okanogan (Okinakane) located on the Okanogan River one half mile upstream from the confluence with the Columbia River in present-day Okanogan County

A Cotton Wood Grove, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
A Cotton Wood Grove, 1856. Members of the Isaac Stevens United States Pacific Railroad Survey party camp in a grove of cottonwood trees on the Milk River, Montana on August 18th, 1853

Fort Benton, Montana, USA, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Fort Benton, Montana, USA, 1856. Members of the Stevens United States Railroad Survey arrive at Fort Benton near the Great Bend of the Missouri River in North Central Montana

Toro-Mucho, chief of a band of Kioways, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Toro-Mucho, chief of a band of Kioways, 1856. Print from Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable

Council with White Mans Horse, 1856. Artist: John Mix Stanley
Council with White Mans Horse, 1856. Isaac Stevens, head of the United States Pacific Railroad Survey, meets with White Mans Horse, chief of the party of Blackfeet Indians

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Exploring the Untamed West: The Pacific Railroad Survey of 1856" Step back in time to the year 1856, when a team of intrepid explorers ventured into the uncharted territories of North America. Led by the Pacific Railroad Survey, these brave individuals set out to map and document the vast landscapes that would soon be traversed by a monumental feat of engineering - the transcontinental railroad. One artist among them, John Mix Stanley, captured breathtaking scenes that showcase both the beauty and challenges encountered during this historic expedition. In "Herd of Bison Near Lake Jessie, " we witness an awe-inspiring sight as a massive herd roams freely against a backdrop of pristine waters and rolling hills in North Dakota. Moving westward, E Stout's painting titled "The Black Forest Mount Hope and Sierra Prieta" transports us deep into dense forests where towering trees create an enchanting canopy overhead. This glimpse into nature's grandeur reminds us why preserving these lands was crucial for future generations. Gustav Sohon's artistic talents come alive through his depictions of rugged terrains such as "Grand Coulee. " Here, jagged cliffs rise majestically above roaring waters, showcasing both the raw power and untamed beauty found within Washington state. Camp Stevens offers another perspective on this arduous journey with Gustav Sohon's artwork depicting weary travelers gazing towards Montana's western horizon. Their faces etched with determination serve as a reminder that progress often comes at great sacrifice. John Mix Stanley returns with his masterpiece "Distribution of goods to Gros Ventres, " capturing a poignant moment when supplies are shared with Native American tribes along their path. This scene serves as a testament to cultural exchange amidst exploration. "Milk River, with Bears Paw Mountain in the distance" showcases yet another stunning vista painted by Stanley. A tranquil river winds its way through lush plains while majestic mountains loom in the background—a testament to the diverse landscapes encountered during this survey.