About the projects

The trans-mississippi west emigration and exploration trails projects presented here were
photographed over a 17 year period. In all cases authoritative maps were used to retrace the routes , and most photographs were made either standing directly on the trail or looking straight at where it used to be. These projects are intended to show the current state of these routes, rather than depicting the pristine wilderness originally traversed.

Since the California, Oregon and Mormon Trails traveled much of the same route together and in fact were the same trail in those sections, the photos selected for each trail have deliberately avoided those images found elsewhere. For instance, to get a larger sense of the Oregon Trail project, see the photos from the California Trail , up to the split. The same is true for the Mormon Trail. Lewis and Clark followed a unique route .

These photographs represent a sample from the complete projects. The total breath is as follows:
Lewis and Clark - 1200 negatives, 92 chosen for book (see books published)
California Emigrant Trail - 1600 negatives , 95 chosen for book ( see books)
Oregon Trail - 600 negatives
Mormon Trail - 400 negatives

Photographs from all four projects are on permanent display at the Western Trails Interpretive Center, Council Bluffs Iowa. The Lewis and Clark , and the California Emigrant trail projects exist as exhibitions which are on National tour at changing venues. All photos are black and white, 16 by 20 inches in size. Both exhibits are available for bookings.