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: 5/18/12
Why Don’t You Take It?
Good morning! Today’s Friday Funny is an 1861 Currier & Ives sketch commenting on the Union’s substantial advantage in terms war materiel. The above cartoon illustrates the might of the...
Published: 5/11/12
The “Light Guard”
Good Morning! Today’s Friday Funny is an 1861 Harper’s Weekly cartoon. Entitled “Costume Suggested for the Brave Stay-at-Home Light Guard,” this sketch mockingly questions the masculinity of Union men who...
Published: 5/5/12
…And They’re Off…
In honor of the Kentucky Derby, we bring you this image of Civil War era horse racing (courtesy of Frank Leslie). While not a Stakes Race, this image is from...
Published: 5/4/12
The Blockade on the “Connecticut Plan”
Good Morning! To celebrate the end of another long work week, we bring you a “Friday Funny.” Today’s Civil War era cartoon is an 1862 Currier & Ives sketch entitled,...
Published: 4/27/12
Bowling with Beauregard
Good afternoon! Here’s a little Friday Funny to celebrate the end of the work week. Published in the April 26, 1862 edition of Harper’s Weekly, this Justin Howard cartoon celebrates...
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Published: 4/5/12
“Life Studies of the Great Army”
Discover Edwin Forbes' stunning copper etchings capturing the essence of the Army of the Potomac in "Life Studies of the Great Army."
Published: 3/26/12
Women’s Work
Good afternoon! Today’s Women’s History Month tribute is a Harper’s Weekly image entitled “Filling Cartidges at the United States Arsenal at Watertown, Massachusetts.” It is a reminder that the war...
Published: 3/9/12
The Rebel Lady’s Boudoir
Happy Friday and Happy Women’s History Month! We continue our homage to Civil War women with this provokative—and morbid—drawing from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper: The corresponding commentary and caption read:...
Published: 3/1/12
Honoring Civil War Women for Women’s History Month
Today marks the first day of Women’s History Month. To celebrate, The Front Line will have a month-long series of women’s history posts including images, quotes, writings, and biographies. We...
Published: 2/28/12
Mustered Out…The U.S. Colored Troops
“Mustered Out,” Little Rock, Arkansas, April 20, 1865 by Alfred R. Waud. Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly, May 19, 1866 courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Published: 2/21/12
Quarters for African American Soldiers
Our Black History Month Celebration continues with this Harper’s Weekly depiction of “Negro Quarters, Army of the James.” Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly, February 25, 1865.
Published: 2/16/12
After the Battle
Our celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of Fort Donelson concludes with this Harper’s Weekly image. Seeking for the Wounded, by Torch-Light, After the Battle Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly,...
Published: 2/13/12
From The Struggle of Slavery to the Struggle for Liberty
Uncut sheet of twelve illustrated cards presenting the journey of a slave from plantation life to the struggle for liberty, for which he gives his life, as a Union soldier...
Published: 2/9/12
Black Soldiers and Lady Liberty
Our Black History Month celebration continues with this 1865 drawing of a wounded Union soldier by Thomas Nast. “Franchise. And not this man?” despite his service and sacrifice. Image Credit:...
Published: 2/8/12
Roanoke Island…150 Years Ago
Roanoke Island showing the position of Confederate Batteries Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly, March 1, 1862.
Published: 2/7/12
Camp Life for African American Regiments
“Army of the Potomac—Scene in camp of Negro regiments—Method of punishment of Negro soldiers for various offences.” Image Credit: Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, December 10, 1864.
Published: 2/6/12
Aboard a Gun Deck During the Battle of Fort Henry
Gun-Deck of one of the Mississippi Gun-Boats Engaged in the Attack on Fort Henry – sketched by Alexander Simplot – Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly, February 22, 1862
Published: 2/2/12
Preparing to See the Elephant
Preparing the Negro Soldiers to Use the Minie Rifle Image Credit: Harper’s Weekly, March 14, 1863.