President Abraham Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address from the east portico of the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 1865. The Civil War was nearing its end, and the large crowd gathered reflects the weight of the moment for a divided nation. People filled the steps and grounds to witness the start of Lincoln’s final term. Capturing a turning point in American history, as the country stood on the edge of peace and reconstruction.
High bridge near Buena Vista
Steam locomotive crossing a tall trestle bridge near Buena Vista, a reminder of how railroads pushed through difficult terrain as the country expanded. The narrow bridge and steep drop below show the kind of engineering required to carry rail lines across canyons and ravines. Structures like this made it possible to move people, supplies, and resources into remote areas, supporting settlement and local industry. Scenes like this capture how railroads physically reshaped the landscape and helped link growing communities across the West.