Andrew Joseph Russell Paintings

Andrew Joseph Russell was an American photographer and painter known for his work documenting the American Civil War and the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Born on March 20, 1829, in Walpole, New Hampshire, Russell began his career as a painter but is best remembered for his photographs.

During the Civil War, Russell served in the Union Army, and in 1863, he became a captain in the 141st New York Volunteer Infantry. His interest in photography began to flourish during this period, and he was eventually appointed as a photographer for the United States Military Railroad. His task was to document the military's use of railroads, which were critical for transportation and supply during the war. Among his most famous works from this period is the portrait of the 'Andrews Raiders' – the Union soldiers involved in the Great Locomotive Chase.

Following the war, Russell continued to pursue photography and is particularly noted for his documentation of the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, which was a part of the First Transcontinental Railroad. In 1868, he was officially hired by the Union Pacific to photograph the progress of the railroad's construction, which took him across the American West. His photographs during this project captured the monumental task of building the railroad, the landscape of the American West, and the diverse groups of people, including many immigrant workers, who labored on the project.

Russell's work from this era made a significant contribution to the field of documentary photography and provided a visual record of a pivotal moment in American history—the expansion westward and the industrial progress symbolized by the railroad. His photographs were distributed widely, helping to shape the public's perception of the American West and the monumental achievements of the era.

Russell died on September 22, 1902, in Brooklyn, New York. His legacy lives on through his photographs, which continue to be important historical documents and are held in various collections, including the Library of Congress and the National Archives. Russell's work offers invaluable insights into the American landscape and society during a transformative period in the nation's history.