The Case:
In California, a photograph collector owns four small images of women taken in Chicago in the 1890s.
On the back of one are the woman's personal details and comments about her inheritance, leading their owner to believe these aren't just ordinary portraits but advertisements for mail order brides.
Could he be right?
History Detectives visits California and Chicago to investigate the Victorian marriage industry and discovers a shocking story of late nineteenth century extortion and corruption.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 2
Warner's Lighter
What is the connection between Harry Warner and a studio associated with the Nazi party?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Red Hand Flag
Is this peculiar flag one that African-American soldiers marched under in the war to end all wars?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Atocha Spanish Silver
What are these markings on a silver bar discovered in the wreck of a Spanish ship?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Mexican Currency
What role did this money play in the Mexican Revolution?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Bill Picket Saddle
Did this saddle ride into cowboy history with one of rodeo's most daring innovators?
-
Also in Season 2
Red Cloud's Peace Pipe
Was this pipe given to an Indian agent by the famous Lakota warrior Chief Red Cloud?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.