New Mexico Pioneer in Early 20th Century Portrait

The photo features W. B. Walton from New Mexico, captured between 1915 and 1920. This period was notable for the rapid development of the American Southwest, marked by the expansion of agriculture and the rise of new industries following statehood for New Mexico in 1912. Walton’s image represents a moment in this transformative era when many regions were undergoing significant changes, shaping their identities and communities.

This photograph, produced by the Bain News Service, is part of a larger collection of glass negatives that document various facets of American life in the early 20th century. The Bain News Service was known for capturing a wide array of subjects, from notable individuals to everyday scenes. Waltons portrait, like many others from this time, serves as a snapshot of an evolving society, connecting viewers to the people who lived through these pivotal moments in history.