Special Features - Slideshow

The Oxbow

"West View from Holyoke", Orra White Hitchcock, 1835, 8 1/8 in x 10 1/2 in Image courtesy of Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association Library.

About this Image

Orra White Hitchcock created this image for her husband's "Report on the geology, mineralogy, botany and zoology of Massachusetts," commissioned by the state and first published in 1832-33. The report included a section called "Scenographical Geology," which was meant to arouse pride in the state's natural beauty. Orra's landscapes adorned this section. During the research and creation of the report, Orra sometimes accompanied Edward to sketch landscapes. While the other female illustrator for this book remained anonymous, Orra was credited for her work as "Mrs. Hitchcock".