Image of the American West and the portrayal of a Native American Tribe

Image of the American West: Browns Park, Colorado.

This photograph is of Brown Park, a valley about 40 miles in length, located in Colorado. It was taken by Timothy O’Sullivan in 1872. According to some sources, the valley was most likely named after the French Canadian fur-trapper, Baptiste Brown, however it was originally known as Browns Hole. Later in 1869, explorer John Wesley Powell referred to the hole as Browns Park, and the name has remained since.[1]

In the context of the American West and the Indigenous peoples, during wintering Browns Park was popular with the Ute and Shoshoni tribes.[2] This was primarily because of the geographical landscape of the valley. The valley held mild winters, which had previously attracted native peoples.[3] Later, the landscape also proved popular with white men transporting their cattle herds in harsh weather conditions.[4] According to other sources, the area was also central for fur companies and tradesmen. In addition, most of this trade was surrounding Fort Davy Crockett, often referred to as the “social centre of the rocky mountains”.[5] It is estimated by some that trading at Browns Hole dates back as early as 1832.[6]Significant individuals that travelled here included Kit Carson, Joe Meek, Uncle Jack Robinson and Robert Newell.

When placing this in the ideology of the American West and manifest destiny, the image conveys a strong sense of opportunity. The big open spaces and endless land captured in the photograph, particularly acts as almost a utopian image of what it means to expand west. Having said this, there is also a sense of isolation surrounding the image. The remote setting is also a reminder of the hardship those who expanded westward faced. Moving from ‘civilised’ and settled territory, to the isolating and empty Westward land, may have been a great struggle for some.

In modern day, the Park has been used in various ways. Browns Park has become a wildlife Refuge, as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Established in 1965, the 12,150-acre refuge has acted as a conservation for endangered species.[7] It is also known for its scenic beauty and the wildlife opportunities available for visitors.[8]

In the modern-day image (right), there are still natural and original aspects of the Park. However, it is also important to identity the contemporary influence in the picture, where there are visitors rafting down the river. In February 2015 21,586 acres of land in Colorado was designated by President Barack Obama as the Browns Canyon National Monument.[9] This was part of an initiative to protect and preserve national and historic features. Since then, it has been used for recreational activities such as rafting and fishing.[10] The park has also kept any man-made features to a minimum. This includes having no developed camping sites and limited roads.[11]

Native American Tribe Website: The Cherokee Nation of Eastern Alabama.

In context, the Cherokee tribe was one of the most advanced American Indian tribes. They had their own written language, constitution, newspaper, and alphabet- appearing to be a republic rather than a regular tribe. Unfortunately, after the discovery of gold in Georgia, the tribe was gradually moved out of its homelands during the 1830s and the land was sold off.[12]  The famous ‘trail of tears’ originates from the forced removal of 15,000 Cherokee citizens, who were forced to march over 1,000 miles into Indian territory, away from their homelands.[13]

From a first glance, the appearance of their website is particularly striking. Although not using bright colours, the boarders consisting of native patterns and the repetitive use of the Earthy colours, gives the page a particularly native appearance.

In addition, their website is filled with campaigns and initiatives that are to help its citizens. For example, these include the Cherokee Nation Fish and Wildlife Association, their new $100 million healthcare initiative, and their improvements in education.[14] This portrays the tribe as a tightly knit community, where they not only looking to preserve wildlife, but also helping to maintain a standard of living for the tribal members.

When looking closer at the contents on their website, the Cherokee Nation is very appealing to tourists. The tribe have an additional link to a visitor and history website, which is informative about their tribal art, language and history and culture. They appear to be approachable and in line with the demanding contemporary demand for interactive tourist attractions. The Cherokee Nation also has a museum where tours can be booked and more can be learned about the tribe.

Sources:
http://www.cherokee.org/Home.aspx
http://visitcherokeenation.com/Pages/home.aspx
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149899/The-American-West-youve-seen-Amazing-19th-century-pictures-landscape-chartered-time.html
http://www.flaminggorgecountry.com/Browns-Park
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Browns_Park/about.html
https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/browns-canyon-national-monument

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 [1] http://www.flaminggorgecountry.com/Browns-Park

[2] http://www.flaminggorgecountry.com/Browns-Park

[3] https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/blm/ut/7/chap1.htm

[4]https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/blm/ut/7/chap1.htm

[5] https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/blm/ut/7/chap1.htm

[6] https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/blm/ut/7/chap1.htm

[7] https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Browns_Park/about.html

[8] https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Browns_Park/about.html

[9] https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/browns-canyon-national-monument

[10] https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/browns-canyon-national-monument

[11] https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/browns-canyon-national-monument

[12] http://visitcherokeenation.com/Pages/home.aspx

[13] http://visitcherokeenation.com/Pages/home.aspx

[14] http://www.cherokee.org/Home.aspx