Mammoth Cave by Magnesium Light, 1866
Title
Mammoth Cave by Magnesium Light, 1866
Subject
Mammoth Cave (Ky.)
Caves
Kentucky
Description
In 1866, Charles L. Waldack of Cincinnati, Ohio took the first subterranean photographs of Mammoth Cave with the help of magnesium light. These were the first high quality images of this magnificent cave system.
Waldack, originally from Belgium, immigrated to the United States in 1857. He set up a photography studio in Cincinnati, taking many images of local buildings, streets, and bridges from 1857-1873. His most important work was the 42-view series of Mammoth Cave which was published by Edward and Henry T. Anthony of New York in 1866 as “Magnesium Light Views in Mammoth Cave.” Unlike other early Mammoth Cave photographers, Waldack wrote about his experiences, observations, and techniques and submitted his photographs and comments to the editor of the Philadelphia Photographer. Waldack was praised by the photographic journal and other prominent sources including noted cave writer Horace C. Hovey who honored Waldack with the naming of “Waldack Dome” in Mammoth Cave. Here are some of our favorite images from the “Magnesium Light Views in Mammoth Cave” stereocard series.
Waldack, originally from Belgium, immigrated to the United States in 1857. He set up a photography studio in Cincinnati, taking many images of local buildings, streets, and bridges from 1857-1873. His most important work was the 42-view series of Mammoth Cave which was published by Edward and Henry T. Anthony of New York in 1866 as “Magnesium Light Views in Mammoth Cave.” Unlike other early Mammoth Cave photographers, Waldack wrote about his experiences, observations, and techniques and submitted his photographs and comments to the editor of the Philadelphia Photographer. Waldack was praised by the photographic journal and other prominent sources including noted cave writer Horace C. Hovey who honored Waldack with the naming of “Waldack Dome” in Mammoth Cave. Here are some of our favorite images from the “Magnesium Light Views in Mammoth Cave” stereocard series.
Creator
Waldack, Charles L.
Source
Magnesium Light Views in Mammoth Cave Stereocard Collection, The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Kentucky
Publisher
The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Kentucky
Date
1866
Rights
Property rights in the collection belong to The Filson Historical Society. The Filson Historical Society can provide high-resolution scans of original source materials from its holdings for non-commercial and commercial use. To learn about this process, visit https://filsonhistorical.org/collections/order-reproductions/
Type
Collection
Identifier
015PC38
Coverage
19th century
1860s