In the late 19th century, noted Boston merchant Edwin F. Atkins was a dominant player in the U.S.-Cuba sugar market. His firm helped established sugarcane plantations along the southern coast of Cuba near the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. For over 60 years the Atkins family continued to operate their sugar business on the island, even as Cuba won its independence from Spain and went through a number of other momentous events. This digital collection from the Massachusetts Historical Society tells the story of the Atkins family's endeavors during this period. The full collection has 419 photographs, but this is a fine sample. The images here are divided into areas such as Snapshots of Cienfuegos, Cuba and Life and Work at the Soledad Plantation. It's an arresting look at Cuba during this time period and historians and students of the West Indies will find much to enjoy here.