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Museum object · Photographs and Still Images

Cabinet card of Laura Townsend

1894-1899

Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Source image for Cabinet card of Laura TownsendLoading image…
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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A black-and-white photograph of Laura Townsend. Townsend is standing in the center of the image turned toward the right side of the image. Townsend is wearing a dark dress with a high collar and ruffle detailing on the upper torso. Her dress has billowing sleeves which gather at the forearm. There is white structure, similar to a decorative gate with inset fabric, on the right. Townsend’s proper right hand is holding the top of the lower gate and her left elbow is resting on the top. Her left arm is bent and her hand is against the side of her face. A worn background featuring decorative plants and furniture is visible. There is text for [M. M. MUDGE, CHATTANOOGA, TENN.] below the image. On the back of the photograph is a handwritten inscription in pencil [Laura Townsend / Winchester].

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2011.36.6

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