Mooyie River looking South (down) from the 49th parallel
between 1857 and 1862 National Archives and Records Administration
About this artwork
A watercolor landscape depicting a river winding through a mountainous, forested terrain, created during the period of the Northwestern Boundary Survey. The work showcases the artist's keen observation of the rugged North American frontier.
Did you know?
James Madison Alden served as the official artist for the United States Boundary Commission, which was tasked with surveying the border between the U.S. and British North America. His watercolors provide a rare and detailed visual record of the Pacific Northwest landscape before it was extensively mapped or settled by pioneers. The Mooyie River, located in present-day Idaho and British Columbia, was a rugged and remote part of this vast survey mission.
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Mooyie River looking South (down) from the 49th parallel
James Alden, between 1857 and 1862
