Esquimalt Harbor, from summit of “Mill Mountain” near head of bay showing Active’s and Satellite’s anchorage. In the distance Smiths’ or Blunts’ Island and entrance to Haro and Rosario Straits, 1857 - 1862, James Madison Alden, Artist
This landscape is one of a series of watercolors of the northwest boundary between the Rocky Mountains and Point Roberts, commissioned on the basis of an Act of Congress from August 11, 1856. The sketches were created by James W. Alden who accompanied the survey party that, during the 1860s and in compliance with the Treaty of 1846, was responsible for recording characteristics of the northwestern boundary of the United States.
More Alden landscapes are available from the National Archives’ Online Public Access:
Photograph of Aerial View of Capitol and Federal Triangle, June 15, 1936
If you look closely you can see the National Archives Building (the first building in the triangle). Can you tell what buildings haven’t been built yet in this photo?


