History Colorado Identifies Potential Oldest Photograph of Colorado
A recent inquiry by History Colorado has identified a photograph taken in 1853 by Solomon Nunes Carvalho as potentially the oldest photo of Colorado. The image depicts a Cheyenne village at Big Timbers, located near present-day Lamar, Colorado, and was…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 21, 2026 —
History Colorado has identified a photograph from 1853 as potentially the oldest existing photograph of Colorado. The image, created by photographer Solomon Nunes Carvalho, offers a glimpse into the state’s past by depicting a Cheyenne village.
The photograph was taken at a location known as Big Timbers, which is situated near present-day Lamar, Colorado. This historical image was captured during the expedition led by John C. Frémont, a notable figure in American exploration.
The identification process was part of a recent inquiry undertaken by History Colorado, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the state’s history. While the organization has identified this image, further details regarding its current status or specific exhibition plans were not provided.
Solomon Nunes Carvalho was an American photographer, artist, and inventor who documented various aspects of American life and landscape in the mid-19th century. His work, particularly his documentation of Frémont’s fifth expedition (1853-1854), provides valuable visual records of the American West during a period of significant change.
The photograph’s potential claim as the oldest photo of Colorado hinges on its creation date of 1853 and its subject matter within the geographical boundaries of the state. The Cheyenne village depicted represents the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region long before widespread settlement.
The summary provided by History Colorado indicates that the image was taken during John C. Frémont’s expedition. Frémont’s expeditions were crucial in mapping and understanding the vast territories of the American West, and the photographs produced by Carvalho offer a unique visual supplement to the written records of these journeys.
Further information regarding the specific condition of the photograph or the historical context of the Cheyenne village at Big Timbers was not detailed in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by History Colorado on gazette.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
