Description
Produced and published by one of the early pioneers of the form, Albert Ruger, this stunning depiction of Lawrence, KS, captures a historically significant moment in the city. Located between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers, the town had grown significantly during the nineteenth century as a gateway to the West. The years following the conclusion of the American Civil War were particularly important for the city as numerous settlers from across the nation as well as Europe flocked to the town and established neighborhoods and communities, many of which exist to this day. The first railroad opened in the city in 1854 and further spurred expansion and growth. Birdseye perspectives were widely popular during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and bear a distinctive style and signature aesthetic that immediately transports the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present. They served as marketing materials to attract residents and merchants alike and featured prominent civic buildings, religious and educational institutions, as well as economic opportunities. Ruger was among the first to adopt the style and helped popularize it during his decades-long career. Kansas officially achieved statehood in 1861 and was founded on free-state politics. This is an authentic piece of American cartographical history of a time and region that shaped the nation politically, culturally, and economically in the latter portions of the nineteenth century. The city became important as an educational hub for the region and remains a cultural and economic center. Overall Size: 18" H x 24" W
