Around the time Levi Strauss met up with Jacob Davis to assemble the world's first riveted denim pants, most of the remaining American West was still undiscovered. Between 1871 and 1874 a team of government officials was exploring the untouched natural resources in the states of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. They brought photographer Timothy O'Sullivan with them, who brought his box camera to capture the scenery they encountered. The project was called into life to attract new adventurers to settle in the large uninhabited regions.
An interesting project in the first place and the photographs shot by O'Sullivan of the 'Wild West' are just astonishing. His pictures offer an insight into a world that was still unknown for most back then and picture land that seems almost inaccessible. The photographs include depictions of new constructed railroads, small settlements, local native Americans and most important some incredible shots of the dry and rocky landscape. Don't forget to breathe when you're gazing at these pictures.
