Since its founding in 1850, Ogden has been home to fur trappers, Mormon pioneers, immigrants, railroad workers, and businessmen. The joining of the rails in 1869 with the completion of the transcontinental railroad forever changed the city. Ogden became known as the Crossroads of the West, and the city continued to thrive with the influx of people and industry. Ogden was known for its surrounding natural beauty and the ability to effectively accomplish anything it undertook. Ogden became home to generations of families including Charles Maccarthy and his family. Maccarthy was a railroader, by trade and a photographer by hobby. He was hardly seen without his camera. During the early 20th century, he captured the lives of Ogdenites, which included family gatherings, parades, and special events, and even stopped people on the street and asked to take their photographs.