This photo is of the Bath House Hot Springs, South Dakota. Of course, where there are hot springs, there is healing. It is known to have medicinal properties and was a popular place to go to among Native American Tribes. Are you feeling any pain in your body? Go down to the spring and take a dip!
Hot Springs, South Dakota is an incredibly popular site that draws people from all over the US even to this very day. There are also multiple resorts and Facilities built around the springs providing the local population with a booming tourist industry.
Timothy O’Sullivan's Self Portrait
And yet again, we run into another Timothy O’Sullivan Photograph. But unlike the others, this one is of the man himself. Now we are starting to wonder who took this photo of him.
Actually, he became a civil war photographer after becoming part of the war himself. After the Civil War ended, O’Sullivan set out to explore the Western landscape and embarked on a long cross-continental expedition.
Whirling Horse
Another member of the famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was Whirling Horse. All the Native Americans on the show were called “show Indians,” but they all came from different Native American tribes. In one of their shows, they would usually reenact historical battles, and perform some of their native dances for their audience.
In a lot of ways, the show helped cool down the tension and public opinions towards the end of the American Indian War after years of US propaganda against Native Americans. It’s nice to find out about their culture, you know?
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
From Timothy O’Sullivan’s collection of gorgeous photos, this landscape is of Shoshone Falls, Idaho, which is located in the Snake River.
These falls are so giant that it is referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the West” and shortly became a great tourist attraction up to this day.
Apache Spirit Dancers
Who remembers those cartoons of the old west, where you see Indians dancing in circles, then the rain comes down? The dance actually is real! This photo is of the Apache Spirit Dancers; this group consists of several Native American tribes that originated in the Southwestern United States. These tribes had to adapt to their own territories and live off the land. They had a hard time collecting food sources as well because of the harsh climate.
The dancers have believed to hold the ability to summon the spirits from the underground realm, which they have led to believe would also protect the Apache people.