Military & Political · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good, with minimal foxing at the margins. The image is crisp, and the colors remain vivid and well-preserved. Tiny pinholes in the top border, outside the image.
This historic lithograph, "Fort Okinakane," offers a glimpse into life at one of the significant forts in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-19th century. Published as General Report – Plate XXXVII in the Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey reports of 1856, the scene depicts the fort nestled in a valley with a backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges.
Fort Okanogan, sometimes spelled "Fort Okinakane" in older texts, was a fur trading post established in 1811 by the Pacific Fur Company, a business venture of John Jacob Astor. It was the first American fur trading post in what is now Washington State.
The fort was built at the confluence of the Okanogan River and the Columbia River, in present-day Okanogan County, Washington, near Brewster and close to the Canadian border.
In 1813, during the War of 1812, the British-owned North West Company took control of the fort. Later, in 1821, when the North West Company merged with the Hudson’s Bay Company, Fort Okanogan became an HBC post. It played an important role in the fur trade, serving as a center for trade with Indigenous tribes, exchanging beaver pelts, salmon, and other goods.
By the 1840s, the Hudson’s Bay Company shifted operations to Fort Colvile, leading to the decline and eventual abandonment of Fort Okanogan.
Today, the Fort Okanogan State Park Interpretive Center near Brewster provides exhibits and historical context, though the original fort site no longer exists.
The composition highlights the interaction between the settlers and Native Americans, as shown by the figures in the foreground engaged in conversation. The fort itself, consisting of wooden structures and outbuildings, reflects the early settlement architecture of the time. The vast landscape beyond the fort emphasizes the rugged beauty and isolation of the frontier.
Created by Sarony, Major & Knapp, this tinted lithograph combines detailed artistry with subtle colors that bring the scene to life. The warm tones of the land and the soft hues of the sky balance the detailed features of the fort and figures, capturing both the environmental and cultural aspects of this location.
Condition: Very good, with minimal foxing at the margins. The image is crisp, and the colors remain vivid and well-preserved. Tiny pinholes in the top border, outside the image.
Framing Tip: Pair this lithograph with a soft beige or light gray matte to complement its tones. A wooden or antique-style metallic frame would enhance its historical and artistic appeal, making it a striking addition to a study, gallery, or history-themed collection.
Created by Sarony, Major & Knapp, this tinted lithograph combines fine detailing with soft, warm tones, emphasizing the valley's depth and grandeur. The precision and artistry of the lithograph reflect the era’s commitment to capturing the spirit of discovery and the vastness of the frontier.
Title: Fort Okinakane - Tinted Lithograph from the Pacific Railroad Survey, 1856
Description:
This historic lithograph, "Fort Okinakane," offers a glimpse into life at one of the significant forts in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-19th century. Published as General Report – Plate XXXVII in the Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey reports of 1856, the scene depicts the fort nestled in a valley with a backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges.
The composition highlights the interaction between the settlers and Native Americans, as shown by the figures in the foreground engaged in conversation. The fort itself, consisting of wooden structures and outbuildings, reflects the early settlement architecture of the time. The vast landscape beyond the fort emphasizes the rugged beauty and isolation of the frontier.
Created by Sarony, Major & Knapp, this tinted lithograph combines detailed artistry with subtle colors that bring the scene to life. The warm tones of the land and the soft hues of the sky balance the detailed features of the fort and figures, capturing both the environmental and cultural aspects of this location.
Condition: Excellent, with minimal foxing at the margins. The image is crisp, and the colors remain vivid and well-preserved.
Framing Tip: Pair this lithograph with a soft beige or light gray matte to complement its tones. A wooden or antique-style metallic frame would enhance its historical and artistic appeal, making it a striking addition to a study, gallery, or history-themed collection.
