Andrew J. Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew J. Russell
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Portrait of Russell, unknown photographer
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| Born | March 20, 1829 |
| Died | September 22, 1902 (aged 73) |
| Occupation | Photographer |
| Known for | American Civil War Union Pacific Railroad |
Andrew Joseph Russell (born March 20, 1829 – died September 22, 1902) was a famous photographer from the 1800s. He took many important pictures during the American Civil War. He also photographed the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. This was a huge train track project across America.
Contents
Early Life and Art
Andrew J. Russell was born in 1829 in New Hampshire. He grew up in Nunda, New York. When he was young, he loved to paint. He painted pictures of people and landscapes for his family and others.
Photography During the Civil War
At the start of the Civil War, Russell painted large scenes. These were used to help get soldiers to join the Union Army. In 1862, he joined the army himself. He became a Captain in a New York regiment.
In 1863, Russell became very interested in photography. He paid a photographer named Egbert Guy Fowx to teach him. He learned how to use the "collodion wet-plate process." This was a way to take photos using glass plates.
Russell started taking pictures with a borrowed camera. His photos helped illustrate reports for the War Department. He was the only military officer to take photos for the War Department during the Civil War. His pictures showed important moments. These included "Confederate dead Behind the Stone Wall." He also took photos during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Documenting the Transcontinental Railroad
After the Civil War, Russell became the official photographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1868, he photographed the building of the railroad. This work took place in Wyoming and Utah. He published an album of 50 photos called The Great West Illustrated.
In 1869, he went back to Utah. He photographed the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. This was a huge event. It was called the "golden spike" ceremony. It happened on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit.
Russell took many photos that day. Some of his pictures were sent to New York. They were copied for newspapers. These photos are very important today. They help us identify the people who built the railroad. One famous photo shows sixteen men. It is titled "Engineers of U.P.R.R. at the Laying of Last Rail Promontory."
Russell worked for almost two years on this project. He took over 200 large photos. He also took more than 500 smaller "stereo cards." His work helped show how amazing this railroad project was. It was an early form of advertising for the company. After this, he traveled to California. He photographed parts of the Central Pacific Railroad. He then returned to New York City.
Later Career
In New York, Russell opened a design studio. He also worked as a photojournalist. He took pictures for Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. He continued this work into the early 1890s.
Personal Life
Andrew Russell married Catherine Adelia Duryee in 1850. They had two daughters, Cora and Harriet. Russell lived in Brooklyn, New York. He passed away there on September 22, 1902.
