Tanking On The Platte
by Jon Burch Photography
Title
Tanking On The Platte
Artist
Jon Burch Photography
Medium
Photograph - Digital Capture/digital Painting
Description
When the Nebraska rivers really get going, the locals grab a stock tank, an ample supply of beer, their wet suits and go "Tanking". Up in Wyoming by Old Fort Laramie, the Platte looks like it's ready for a party all by itself.
Once broad and turbulent, the North Platte River posed a formidable obstacle to 19th century travelers. High water made it nearly impossible to cross the river for several months each year. The crossing became less dangerous by 1850 when ferry service was established to meet the growing volume of military and emigrant traffic. Frequent ferry accidents and slow crossing speeds continued to impede travelers until a permanent bridge was built.
Following the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which set up the "Great Sioux Reservation," huge amounts of supplies were needed to provision the newly established Indian agencies. Businessmen in Cheyenne quickly recognized the lucrative opportunities that developed. To insure that the supply route between Cheyenne and the agencies remained the most practical one, Wyoming Congressman W.R. Steele convinced Congress to fund the construction of a bridge across the North Platte River.
Some electrons may have been slightly disturbed in the making of this photograph but they aren't complaining either.
Image copyright 2016 Jon Burch Photography
Uploaded
March 15th, 2016
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Viewed 915 Times - Last Visitor from Mount Laurel, NJ on 03/27/2024 at 7:30 AM
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Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your fantastic photographic art has been chosen as a Camera Art Group feature! You are invited to archive your work in the Features Archive discussion as well as any other discussion in which it would fit!