The Stereographic Views from the Eugene Compton Collection consists of 37 stereographic prints taken by Carleton E. Watkins during the years 1870-1885. The collection consists of views in California, for the most part in Yosemite, encompassing views of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks, the Yosemite and Vernal Falls, camping in Yosemite, etc. A number of the scenes in Yosemite have been tinted. Also included is a view of Watkins' Exhibit at the Mechanics' Institute, houses and ranches and other views. The collection also contains one view of Carson City, Nevada. The stereographs are distributed into three Series: "Watkins' Pacific Coast," Watkins' "Central Pacific Railroad," and "Watkins New Series," some of which bear the photographer's number.

Carleton E. Watkins was born in Oneonta, Oswego county, New York, on November 11, 1829. He was the youngest of five children of a Scottish innkeeper. During his youth he became acquainted with Collis P. Huntington, who frequented his father's hotel. Soon after the discovery of gold, both young men went to California, where Huntington later became one of the Big Four who built the Central Pacific Railroad.

37 stereographs; b&w: 9 x 18 cm. 37 digital objects

Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish photographs must be submitted in writing to the Curator of Pictorial Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Collection is available for use.