Platt D. Babbitt

Babbitt, Platt D. (1822-72), American photographer, best known for his views of Niagara Falls. In early 1853, Babbitt began making daguerreotypes of the Falls from a pavilion in front of Point View (now known as Prospect Point) on the American side. His monopoly of this viewpoint gave him almost complete control over this lucrative tourist destination. According to legend, he would wait until a crowd had gathered at the edge of the Falls, photograph the group, and then attempt to sell the picture when it returned past his pavilion. However, his daguerreotypes are usually well composed and not ‘snapped’. Little is known of his life.

— Roger WatsonRCW

Bibliography

• Bannon, A., and McElroy, C. R., The Taking of Niagara (1982)