Early Omaha: Gateway to the West
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Photographs of the “Great Flood” of 1881 were also created for use on stereoscopes. Two images were taken of the same subject at slightly different angles and placed on 7 x 3 inch cards. The card was then seen through a viewer with two eyepieces much like binoculars. The pictures on the card appeared to dissolve together and form a three dimensional image.

This stereo card shows the Missouri River from the roof of the Union Pacific Transfer Depot in Council Bluffs, IA. The Depot was at the east end of the approach to the Missouri River Bridge. There was a long grade up to the bridge which is why you can see the train track above the water line. Also visible are the Union Pacific Land Office on the center right and westbound train sheds at the bottom of the photo.