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Westward the Course of Empire takes its Way Date: 1868
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Westward the Course of Empire takes its Way Date: 1868
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20242565
© Pictures Now Image Collection / Bubblepunk
Classic Continent Course Currier Ives Journey Journeys Locomotive Locomotives Nathaniel Ofna Railroad Railroads Trains Transit Travels Treks Trip Trips Voyage Voyages Westward
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way," an iconic 1868 illustration by American artist James Mauricio O'Flaherty Currier Ives, captures the essence of the American spirit of expansion and progress. The vivid print depicts a locomotive, symbolizing the burgeoning railroad industry, leading the way as it pulls a grand train filled with travelers and settlers westward across the vast American continent. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, as the journey westward represented new opportunities, adventures, and the promise of a better life for many. The urban landscape of the eastern seaboard fades into the distance, giving way to the untamed wilderness of the frontier. The train, a marvel of technology and engineering, cuts through the rugged terrain, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. The vast expanse of the continent stretches out before the travelers, filled with potential and possibility. The title of the print, "Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way," is taken from a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which emphasizes the relentless march of progress and the inevitability of change. The image is a testament to the American dream, as people left behind their old lives and set out on new journeys, seeking fortune and adventure in the west. The intricate details of the print, from the winding train tracks to the individual travelers on the train, showcase Currier's exceptional skill as an artist and his ability to capture the spirit of the time. The print remains a classic and enduring symbol of American history, representing the courage, determination, and ingenuity of the American people as they ventured westward and shaped the destiny of a nation.
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