Photographs and paintings of the American West helped acquaint the public with the area. The works of both Moran and Jackson were instrumental in carrying this message. Both Moran and Jackson accompanied the Hayden exploration expeditions and “published” the results of their work.

1. What are the principal features of the Moran painting and the Jackson photograph of Tower Falls?

2. A man is seated on a rock on the right side of the painting. What role does the man sitting on a rock play in understanding the painting? What characteristic is missing from the photograph that may have provided potentially useful information?

3. Compare the accuracy of these works. What impact might these works have had on the perceptions of the western landscape and public policy directed toward establishing national parks?

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