Carleton Watkins

1829-1916

Watkins became known for his photographs of the Yosemite Valley in California.  He experimented with different photography techniques but settled on using glass plate negatives to make stereoviews of his landscape scenes.
His series of stereoviews that were taken of the Yosemite Valley helped convince Congress to establish the territory as a National Park.

A great link to more information about Carleton Watkins:
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/watkinsbro.htm