1909 Portrait of a Pivotal American Political Figure

This photograph features Richard Achilles Ballinger, an influential figure in early 20th-century American politics. He served as the United States Commissioner of the General Land Office from 1907 to 1910, a role where he oversaw the management of public lands in the United States. His tenure coincided with a significant period in U.S. history marked by discussions about land use, conservation, and the economic exploitation of natural resources.

Ballinger was known for his involvement in the controversial Ballinger-Pinchot affair, which revolved around environmental policies and the management of public land. His actions would later lead to a split within the Republican Party, highlighting the tensions between conservationists and those favoring business interests. This image, produced around 1909, captures a moment in time reflecting the complexities of American governance and the debates surrounding land management that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on environmental policy.