Contributed image The Starrucca Viaduct as painted by Jasper Cropsey. (Click for larger image)

By KRISTA GROMALSKI

EDITOR'S NOTE - This completes a four-part series on the relationship between artists and their environments. The locations were selected from "Art on Site" by Marina Harrison and Lucy D. Rosenfeld. Historical data on Jasper Cropsey and the Hudson River School was obtained from The Newington Cropsey Foundation.

SUSQUEHANNA - The Hudson River School artists, who "believed that nature was a direct manifestation of God," produced some of the most beautiful works of American art. Thomas Cole, pioneer of the landscapist movement, began the style of painting that lasted from 1825 to 1875.

Because of their convictions, the Hudson River School painters strove to depict nature "as accurately and as detailed as possible" and to downsize man's inclusion in their works "to emphasize his relationship to nature (God)."

Artist Jasper Cropsey, a driving force within the group, once made his way through Pennsylvania's rural countryside. During his visit to Susquehanna County, Cropsey painted "Study for Starrucca Viaduct," subtitled "In the Susquehanna Valley near Lanesboro, Pennsylvania."

Born in Rossville, Staten Island in February 1823, Cropsey's landscapes led him to eventually become known as "America's painter of autumn." He viewed his style of painting as "a means of developing America's cultural independence."

The Starrucca Viaduct, built in 1847 to 1848 by the Erie Railroad, is the oldest stone railroad bridge in PA in use today. The magnificent structure stands 1,040 feet long, 100 feet high and 25 feet wide at the top, according to the PA Historical and Museum Commission.

	TRR photo by Krista Gromalski A section of the historic Starrucca Viaduct. (Click for larger image)

Today, hikers or art enthusiasts can visit the viaduct and meander through the same natural wonder that inspired Cropsey.

Visitors can stand under the impressive arches of the viaduct at the intersection of Main and Viaduct Streets in Lanesboro, PA. Or, for a more personal interface with the artist and his painting, hikers can follow the path between the Susquehanna River and the railroad tracks to witness Cropsey's view of man and nature in harmony.

To reach the trailhead, park behind the First Methodist Church at the intersection of Routes 92 and 171 in Susquehanna. Walk through the parking lot of Ron's Corner Store to the railroad tracks behind the building and take the path leading to the right.

For more information on the viaduct call the Susquehanna County Historical Society at 570/278-1881 or e-mail suspulib@epix.net. For more information about Jasper Cropsey visit www.newingtoncropsey.com or call 845/478-7990.