Parting Shot
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.
Published: 8/19/25
A Patriotic Accessory
A look at the patriotic earrings worn during the Civil War by nurse Rebecca Pomroy.
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.
Published: 3/10/25
A “Texan Ranger”
A deeper look at an illustration published in the July 6, 1861, issue of Harper's Weekly.
Published: 1/2/25
The Winning Hand
A carte de visite titled “The Winning Hand” offers commenrtary on the 1864 presidential election.
Published: 10/2/24
A Short Blanket
A look at a Harper's Weekly cartoon titled "A Short Blanket," which pokes fun at a Confederacy assumed to be ill-equipped to defend its territory from Union forces.
Published: 8/2/24
Front Face!
A Civil War envelope offers up a cheeky scene.
Published: 3/18/24
About the Size of It
A look at the Harper's Weekly cartoon "About the Size of It," a lighthearted take on General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign.
Published: 12/1/23
A Sumter Souvenir
The story behind a souvenir taken by a Union soldier from the site of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.
Published: 9/1/23
Surrender Towel
The story of Captain Robert M. Sims and the towel he used as a makeshift surrender flag at Appomattox Court House.
Published: 6/7/23
A Patriotic Pie
Called “patriotic pies” for their content and appearance by the Library Company of Philadelphia, the two-sided prints tell tales of bravery, duty, and love of country.
Published: 3/7/23
A Vinegar Valentine
A look at an example of a "vinegar valentine" sent during the American Civil War.
Published: 9/1/22
If Relics Could Talk
A stunning photo highlights relics from Andersonville Prison auctioned to fund Clara Barton's work at her Missing Soldiers Office.
Published: 6/1/22
A Most Honorable Career
A silver badge helps tells the story of Michigan native Frank D. Baldwin's decorated Civil War military career.
Published: 12/1/21
The Boys of Summer
A Civil war-era photo helps tells the story of the game of baseball's burgeoning popularity before, during, and after the conflict.
Published: 6/1/21
Sign of the Times
A bullet-riddled sign for William T. King’s Gettysburg tailor shop helps tell the story of the epic battle's impact on the small town.
Published: 3/7/21
Saved by the Good Book
Little could Union soldier Walter Jones have imagined that the Bible meant to save his soul would twice save his flesh from potentially grievous injury.
Published: 12/1/20
Time-Honored Deeds
The story of Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton in January 2001.