This is a scene on the Yangchow River in the Kiangsu Province of China. The patchwork sail on the boat, floating on sparkling waters, give a bucolic impression, quite at odds with the realities of the time. This was just after World War II, and much of the area was gripped in devastating famine.

The photographer for his image was Arthur Rothstein (1915-1985). Rothstein became known first for his photographs for the Farm Security Administration prior to the War, during the Great Depression. After the war, he traveled to China, and took several documentary images of the famine, as well as scenic views, such as this. He died in New Rochelle, New York in 1985.

This photo, taken in northern Virginia during the Civil War, shows workmen replacing rails twisted by Rebel raiders. The northern victory was due in large part to the industrial prowess of the northern states. One aspect of that capability was evident in the use of the railways to move troops, weapons and supplies wherever they were needed at high speeds. The Rebels recognized this, of course, and did all they could to destroy the railroad infrastructure where it was most useful to the Union. Here we see in the foreground the twisted rail, that so often resulted, and the men working to replace it.

This public domain image was taken in 1862 or 1863 by Andrew J Russell. We profiled Russell earlier under his photograph of the Capitol Building.

In the early days of railroads, engines were named, just like ships. This is a picture of the J H Devereux, named for General J H Devereux, who became president of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Rail Road. In the background we can see the Alexandria Virginia roundhouse.

This is another photo by Andrew J Russell, whom we profiled under his image of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Another photo by Russell of a train near Alexandria Virginia was dated January 1865, and this image probably dates from about the same time.