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Faces of the Frontier: Photographic Portraits from the American West, 1845-1925

September 25, 2009 - January 24, 2010

Museum: Portrait Gallery

Location: 2nd Floor

Through more than 100 portrait photographs, this exhibition tells the story of the changes that occurred in the American West during the 80 years between the Mexican War and passage of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924. It chronicles such events as the completion of the transcontinental railroad, ongoing conflicts between Native Americans and non-Natives, the emergence of the national parks movement, and the admittance of 19 new states west of the Mississippi. Visitors encounter those who explored, fought over, developed, and represented this vast territory. Such individuals who contributed to the transformation of this region's nature and identity include Albert Bierstadt, Kit Carson, Geronimo, John Fremont, Annie Oakley, and Brigham Young.

Related catalogue: $45

Travel schedule:
San Diego Historical Society, Ca.: March 12-June 6, 2010
Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK: Oct. 9, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011

See "What's Up Around the Mall" in the September 2009 Smithsonian magazine: p. 25

Online Exhibition