Born into a prominent Salem, Massachusetts family, Joseph Ropes (1812-1885) did not become an artist until he was in his mid-thirties. After studying with John R. Smith in New York, Ropes settled in Hartford, where he maintained a studio from 1851 and 1865. He was undoubtedly the best topographical draughtsman active in Hartford at that time. His drawings, prints and paintings convey a vivid sense of the appearance of the small but bustling city. Ropes was also active as a teacher and was the author of several artist's manuals, published during his residence in Hartford. Besides four drawings by Ropes, the Graphics Collection includes at least one lithograph drawn on the stone by him and published by E.C. Kellogg. Additional paintings by Ropes are in the Historical Society's museum collection.

Ropes's wash drawing is based on a daguerreotype taken from the cupola of the Old State House. It was reproduced as a lithograph by E.C. Kellogg. The flood of 1854 was one of the worst of the 19th century. The water rose to 28.5 feet above low water mark. Note the vessel afloat in lower State Street.
Ref. # 1856.23.0 N2089

This idyllic stretch of the Park River was a bustling center of industry in 1854, with a large lumber mill on the left and an iron foundry on the right. The Stone Bridge in the background was the largest structure of its kind in the country when it was completed in 1834. This bridge still survives although the Park River is now underground at this point.
Ref. # 1999.49.2 N2091

Dutch Point was the site of a Dutch fort and trading post erected in 1633. By Ropes's day, all traces of the early settlement had vanished. The large building with a cupola is a steam paper mill. Note the long covered bridge across the Connecticut River in the background.
Ref. # 1999.49.3 N2092

The "old" railroad station, erected in 1849, was actually quite new when Ropes made this drawing in 1852. The development of the railroad encouraged the growth of industry in this part of Hartford. The home of the poetess Lydia Sigourney was behind the trees at the left.
Ref. # 1999.49.1 N2090