Unknown
The Union Pacific Railroad - A Prairie on Fire in Nebraska, about 69

Originally published in black and white in the August 28, 1869, issue of Harper's Weekly, this image was part of a series of illustrations documenting the Union Pacific's route from Council Bluffs to California. The series included images of towns along the route, the natural wonders of the West, and railroad workers - all subjects of intense interest to American readers who had followed the construction of the transcontinental railroad with great curiosity. Sparks from railroad steam engines caused numerous fires, especially on the prairies, yet here the natural destructiveness of the prairie fire appears to threaten, but not impede, the railroad's progress.

For more information about copyright or permissions to use this image, please contact the Sheldon Museum of Art's Image Resources Assistant.