Petrified Forest and Northern Arizona ranching photograph collection

MS 517

Collection dates: circa 1890-1900

About this collection

Thirty-five cyanotype photographs taken, circa 1890-1900, at the Petrified Forest and northern Arizona and possibly in southeastern Nevada. Several images show horses, calf roping and branding, and groups on horseback. A woman on horseback assists in the calf roping and branding. Other images show a trip to the Petrified Forest including a woman and a guide crossing Agate Bridge (a petrified tree used as a bridge). A few photographs show spoke-wheeled surreys, or two-seated carriages. One surrey is labeled “Sandy and Goodsprings”, two towns in southeastern Nevada, the other is not identified. Also present is an image of a freight team labeled “Mr. Moon’s 10-horse team.” There are also views of two small children playing outdoors with a windmill and small building in the background and two scenic views are labeled “Turquoise camp” and “near lumber camp.”

Historical background

The Petrified Forest National Monument was established in 1906 for the protection of the fossils, particularly fossilized wood, in the area which includes parts of Navajo and Apache Counties in northern Arizona. The photographs represent an unidentified family on a small ranch. Two men are identified as Barney and Lee; a woman and two small children are not identified.

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