William Henry Illingworth, born in Leeds, England on September 20, 1844, embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape both his career and historical contributions. At a young age, he immigrated with his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before eventually settling in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1850. His father’s involvement in a jewelry business led Illingworth to assist in the family trade until he reached the age of twenty.

Upon relocating to Chicago to partake in the study of wet plate photography, Illingworth honed his skills before returning to Minnesota. Subsequently, he became a pivotal figure in an expedition to Montana, where his photographic prowess began to emerge. George Armstrong Custer recognized Illingworth’s talent and appointed him as the official photographer for the renowned Black Hills expedition.

Illingworth’s visual chronicles offer a unique perspective into the significant events of his era. One such iconic photograph depicts the Custer Expedition’s wagon train descending the Castle Creek valley on July 26, 1874. This snapshot, captured by Illingworth, is now preserved in the Devereux Library Archives under the title Illingworth-809.

Custer’s expedition into the Black Hills showcased a formidable assembly, comprising 1,000 soldiers from the 7th Cavalry, 110 wagons, 70 Indian scouts, four reporters, and two gold miners. Through Illingworth’s lens, the expedition’s challenges and triumphs were immortalized, providing future generations with a valuable historical record.

Illingworth’s dedication to documenting significant moments and landscapes not only underscored his technical prowess but also highlighted his commitment to preserving history through the art of photography. His work stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of capturing pivotal moments for posterity.