dallashistory

Is it just a misperception on my part or does Texas have comparatively fewer surviving photographs from the 1800s than say Colorado or California?

I don't have a clue but PeterK probably would know. He doesn't seem to be posting here anymore so you might try a p.m.
or ask at the Message Board at DHS. Bet somebody there will have an answer.

Please let us know what you learn.

Sharon Marsalis wrote:I don't have a clue but PeterK probably would know.

It all depends upon the type of photographs you're looking for. Lots of cabinet cards and carte d'visits are available. these are the photos of individuals. cabinet cards are the large 4x6 while the cartes are the smaller business card size images.

not many landscape building images exist as the photographers didn't make much money from those, but they do exist.

Awh forwarded the following from Joel Parks. A great collection of landscape building images and similiar photograph:

Stumbled across these non-copyrighted images of old Dallas!
Dallas, Through a Camera, 1894
Souvenir of Dallas, 1888

I noticed the 1888 publication contained engravings; while the 1894 publication has actual photographs. I don't know if that represents the inroads photography was making; or if the 1888 publication was printed cheaper by using engravings.

Dennis, it has been my experience -- as a collector of cabinet-card- and cdv-portraits -- that fewer examples are available for purchase from Texas and the South than is the case with those originating in the northern and Midwestern states. I have wondered whether this is because more of such portraits were made up north than down here, or if families hold onto these heirlooms more tightly here than elsewhere.

Dennis H wrote:Is it just a misperception on my part or does Texas have comparatively fewer surviving photographs from the 1800s than say Colorado or California?

Newfangled things like cameras and film would be in the more populated areas. Colorado would be an exception, but it did have a gold rush, which attracted a lot of attention. Plus mountains.

Honestly, the Dallas area had very little features of interest to photograph in the 1800's.