Timeline

1868

Born in rural Wisconsin

1880

Built first camera and became an avid, self-taught photographer

1887

Moved to Seattle area, subsistence farmer

1892

Bought half interest in a photography studio

1898

Began winning national and international awards for his photographs of Native Americans, and was deeply influenced by the Pictorialist movement

1899

Was official photographer for the Harriman Alaska Expedition

1900

Began his life’s work photographing Native Americans

1903

President Theodore Roosevelt became a great champion of Curtis and his work

1906

Secured initial backing from J.P. Morgan

1907

Began the The North American Indian project

1930

Completion of the project The North American Indian

1952

Died in Los Angeles, CA