Images
From wartime photography to illustrations and political cartoons, see the Civil War through the lens and canvas of the ones who were there.
Published: 5/21/26
Nashville Outer Lines
A look at one of two highly detailed images showing the outer of two Union defensive lines at Nashville taken by photographer Jacob Coonley.
Published: 5/21/26
Davis the Burglar
A look at a cartoon published by Harper’s Weekly that depicts Confederate president Jefferson Davis as a thief in the night, stealing from Uncle Sam.
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Published: 5/11/26
Johnny Clem
A photographic look at Johnny Clem—who earned the nickname "Dummer Boy of Chickamauga" during the Civil War—through the years.
Published: 2/19/26
A Quaker Who Served
Read the story of Abraham Joseph Mabbett, a Quaker who served the U.S. Army without enlisting.
Published: 2/19/26
Gardner at the Front
Alexander Gardner makes a rare appearance in a a wartime photo of correspondents working for the New York Herald.
Published: 2/19/26
A Heavy Crown
A look at the weighted "gymnastic crown" lauded by forward-thinking New York physician Diocletian Lewis in 1862.
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Published: 2/2/26
Civil War Inventions
A look at a variety of proposed wartime inventions—some more practical than others—highlighted in the pages of The Scientific American.
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Published: 1/12/26
Odd Civil War Photos, Pt. 3
Discover more strange and offbeat images from the Civil War in this installment of the "Odd Civil War Photos" series. Part 3 is here!
Published: 11/13/25
Wartime Zelig
A look at a wartime photo of Union soldier George Warren Dresser, who had a remarkable Civil War military career.
Published: 11/13/25
Marking the Dead
Among the scenes recorded by photographers in Richmond after the Confederate capital fell in 1865 was a poignant view of Oakwood Cemetery.
Published: 11/13/25
Abraham Lincoln’s Ghost
A look at photographer William H. Mumler's purported "spirit image" of Abraham Lincoln alongside his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.
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Published: 11/10/25
Civil War Veterans, Part 3
Continue your journey into the lives of Civil War veterans with the third installment of our "Civil War Vetreans" photo essay series.
Published: 8/19/25
A Talented Duo
The story of two groundbreaking Union army surgeons, Washington Benson “Ben” Trull and Jerome Keating Bauduy.
Published: 8/19/25
Photographic Mapmaking
A rare image highlights the largely forgotten process of photographic mapmaking during the Civil War.
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Published: 7/13/25
NYC Draft Riots
Learn about the New York City draft riots that erupted in mid-July 1863 through illustrations published in various newspapers at the time.
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Published: 6/16/25
Civil War Fashion, Part 2
In this, the second installment of our "Civil War Fashion" series, we highlight more images of soldiers and civilians wearing snazzy clothes and accessories, carrying interesting props, and striking bold poses.
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Published: 5/28/25
Reunion at Gettysburg
A photographic examination of the massive 50th anniversary reunion of the Battle of Gettysburg held in the summer of 1913.
Published: 5/28/25
A Costly Decision
A look at the pro-Union message contained in a patriotic illustration published on an envelope, or "cover," early in the Civil War.