Skip to main content

The Look Of The Heartland

July 2024
1min read

During his headlong, troubled life, the photographer John Vachon recorded an equally restless America weathering depression and war. Although he was an eternal outsider, Vachon had an instinctive feel for every level of society, and his traveling salesmen and fight managers, cops and statesmen, all glow with the burnish of authenticity. In a touching essay, Thomas B. Morgan tells about the man who showed us so much about ourselves.

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate