Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Emigrants Crossing the Plains, American West Wagon Migration – 1869 Engraving

$322.44
£240.93
€270
CA$444.76
A$487.22
CHF 256.45
MX$5,815.05
NOK 3,269.10
SEK 2,988.45
DKK 2,057.19

About the Item

Emigrants Crossing the Plains, American West Wagon Migration – 1869 Engraving This evocative 19th-century engraving titled Emigrants Crossing the Plains presents a compelling visual record of westward migration across the American frontier. The scene depicts a wagon train advancing through open terrain, with oxen pulling covered wagons while emigrants move alongside on foot and horseback. Men, women, and children are shown together, underscoring the family nature of these journeys and the immense physical and emotional demands of overland travel. The composition was drawn by the celebrated American illustrator F. O. C. Darley and engraved by H. B. Hall, then published in New York by D. Appleton Co. The lower margin bears the explicit U.S. copyright line “Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1873,” making 1873 the correct and documented year of publication. Darley’s work was central to shaping the visual mythology of the American West, and his frontier scenes were widely disseminated to an audience fascinated by migration, expansion, and settlement. The engraving balances narrative detail with a sense of vastness. In the foreground, emigrants guide livestock and wagons across uneven ground, while children, dogs, and pack animals emphasize the vulnerability and realism of the journey. In the distance, additional wagons and herds stretch toward the horizon, reinforcing the collective scale of westward movement. The figures’ expressions and gestures convey fatigue, resolve, and cooperation, encapsulating the perseverance associated with pioneer life. Technically, the engraving is finely executed, with strong contrasts and precise line work defining textures of clothing, animals, and landscape. The careful orchestration of movement across the composition creates a clear sense of forward momentum, while the open sky and distant plains suggest both hope and uncertainty. As a historical image, Emigrants Crossing the Plains is a significant document of American social history. It appeals to collectors of Western Americana, frontier and pioneer imagery, migration history, and 19th-century narrative engravings. It also functions as a strong statement piece for libraries, studies, or interiors focused on American heritage and exploration. Condition report Good antique condition. Light age toning and scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. The engraved image remains strong and well-defined. A visible plate mark is present. No major tears or losses observed. Framing suggestions A dark walnut or black frame with a wide off-white mat complements the engraving’s tonal range and historical subject. A double mat with a subtle darker inner line enhances depth and provides a museum-style presentation. Technique: Steel engraving Maker: H. B. Hall after F. O. C. Darley, New York, 1869
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.18 in (23.3 cm)Width: 12.45 in (31.6 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1869
  • Condition:
    Good antique condition. Light age toning and scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. The engraved image remains strong and well-defined. A visible plate mark is present. No major tears or losses observed.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14129-221stDibs: LU3054347991592

More From This Seller

View All
Pioneer Scene: Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham in the American West, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
"Historic Pioneer Scene: Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham in the American West" This evocative lithograph, titled "Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham," captures a vivid moment of ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Historic Print of Blackfeet Council Near Missouri River Trading Posts - 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Historic Print of Blackfeet Council Scene Near Missouri River Trading Posts** Description: This captivating 19th-century lithograph, titled "Council with White Man's Horse," offers ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Scenic Expedition to Cadotte’s Pass in the Rocky Mountains, Tinted Litho of 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Scenic Expedition to Cadotte’s Pass in the Rocky Mountains Description: This historic lithograph, titled "Approach to Cadotte’s Pass," captures a timeless view of one of Mont...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Entrance to the Bitter Root Mountains by the Lou Lou Fork - Lithograph, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Entrance to the Bitter Root Mountains by the Lou Lou Fork - Lithograph, 1856 Description: This captivating lithograph, "Entrance to the Bitter Root Mountains by the Lou Lou...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Waggon Drawn by Four Horses, 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of a grass roller drawn by four horses, a man and his dog standing by the waggon. This print originates from 'The Costume of Great Britain' by...
Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Native American Camp Scene at Hell Gate Ronde – Peaceful Prairie Landscape, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Native American Camp Scene at Hell Gate Ronde – Peaceful Prairie Landscape This exquisite 19th-century lithograph portrays Victor's Camp at Hell Gate Ronde, capturing a tranquil ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

"Wagon Train" Scene of Settlers on the American Frontier
Located in Austin, TX
Charles William Shaw 7.75" x 10.5" Pencil on Paper
Category

20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Archival Paper

"A Burro Train, New Mexico" original etching
By Peter Moran
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original etching. Catalogue reference: White 1. This impression on laid paper was printed in 1880 for The American Art Review. The plate measures 6 1/2 x 9 3/8 inches; the sh...
Category

1880s Landscape Prints

Materials

Etching

"A Group Of California Indians" Wood Cut Engraving. C 1856. Very Rare. Americana
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare and important original image of early Western Americana, or more specifically, "Californiana". Mid 19th century and researched to have been engraved in 1856, it captures, in incredible detail, a group of twelve Native American Indians with a baby in a papoose, gathered together in front of their hanging tools, baskets, implements and weaponry behind them on a "tent like" backdrop. There are men, women, young, and elderly. It is a signed wood cut engraving applied in ink by well known wood cut engraver of the mid 19th century, William J. Peirce (active 1851-1879). It is in excellent all original condition with no additions, no restoration of any kind and it is housed in it's original 1 1/2" double beveled wooden birds eye maple veneered frame with a gilt 1/2" filet interior border. "A Group Of California Indians" is engraved at the base along with a non-descript notation "For description see page 381" which appears in the margin, in addition to an illegible signature. Both these line items are also noted by the New York Public Library, where a digital example exists from the esteemed collection of "The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division Picture Collection", which was assembled in 1986 and recently digitalized. The Library of Congress also memorializes this image and theirs is similarly a digital image. My example came out of the Grant Smith Collection of "Californiana", as is noted on the back of the framed engraving. He was located at Main Street in Bolinas, California (see images on the rear for provenance). Research reveals that he was a direct descendant of the coastal Miwok people who built a settlement in the Bolinas lagoon area. The engraving is referenced in both the New York Library and The Library of Congress as "A Group of California Indians". It is one of the earlier images you will find, along with McKenny and Hall lithographed mages of Native American Indians; and because of it's subject matter and extreme rarity, "A Group Of California Indians" commands attention and interest from the Western art collectors' arena. California became a state on September 9, 1850 making this one of the earliest known images (Circa 1856) of "Californiana" and California Native American...
Category

Antique 1850s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Paper

Peter Moran (1841-1914) - Framed Etching, On the Road to Santa Fe
By Peter Moran
Located in Corsham, GB
An original etching by Peter Moran (1841-1914). On the Road to Santa Fe. Presented in a Hogarth style frame with an antique white mount. Signed in plate to the lower right and again ...
Category

Late 19th Century Animal Prints

Materials

Etching

Army Gets Position - Lithograph by Auguste Raffet - 1837
Located in Roma, IT
Army gets position is a Lithograph realized by Auguste Raffet in 1837. Signed in the plate. Good condition
Category

1830s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Plate from "Voyage dans le Sud de la... - Lithograph by Auguste Raffet - 1841
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on wove paper. Signed and dated in the plate. Image dimension: 16.5x33. This finely detailed lithograph by Auguste Raffet depicts a rustic Crimean village scene, part of...
Category

1840s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph