Fishing at the end of the nineteenth century was a mix of tradition, sport, and industry. In the Adirondacks, fishing was shaped by the region’s vast wilderness and abundant waterways. Wealthy tourists, local anglers, and guides all played roles in the fishing culture of the time. While S.R. Stoddard photographed fishermen on the shores of Adirondack lakes and
rivers, he was also drawn north to the Richelieu River in Quebec for a short trip in the 1890s. The Richelieu River was a key route for water transportation for centuries, but when the Champlain and Chambly Canals were completed, a direct route to New York City was formed. Stoddard photographed men fishing on the Richelieu for an afternoon and captured the solitude and beauty of fishing.
Featured image: S.R. Stoddard (1843–1917), Richelieu River Fishermen, ca. 1891, Chapman Museum 1977.218.3941
This exhibit is made possible by funds provided by the Touba Family Foundation.