1909 Portrait of W.P. Weld, Cotton Congress Leader

This photograph features W.P. Weld, who held the significant role of Vice-President of the Cotton Congress in 1909. The Cotton Congress was an important assembly that aimed to address challenges and opportunities within the cotton industry, which was essential to the economy of the Southern United States. Welds position indicates his involvement in the agricultural sector during a pivotal time when cotton was a leading cash crop, highly influential in both local and national economies.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image captures a moment in history where early 20th-century industrial and agricultural interests began to shape the landscape of American commerce. The use of glass negatives, a common photographic medium of the period, reflects the eras technological advancements in documenting noteworthy figures and events. Such photographs were vital in creating a visual record that would inform future generations about the individuals who played key roles in economic sectors, like agriculture, that dominated the landscape of the time.