The collection of 732 Civil War stereographs covers the entire period of the
Civil War, from the first Battle of Bull Run through the surrender at Appomattox,
and the triumphal parade of Union forces in Washington D.C. Most of the images
were made in the eastern theatre of the war, with a majority of scenes from
Virginia. Views in northern states include naval shipyards in Massachusetts
and Philadelphia, and a rally and parades in New York City. Compelling images
of death on the battlefield and the destruction of cities, railroads and bridges
show the devastating effects of the war. Individual and group portraits of participants
are included, along with images of soldiers relaxing in camps, drilling in the
field, and preparing for attack in trenches and other fortifications. There
are images of African Americans fleeing slavery by crossing the Union lines,
as well as African Americans on southern plantations and serving in the Army
and the Navy. Damage sustained by the ironclad Monitor after her fight with
the Merrimac is depicted, along with other ships on the James River. Civilians
also appear in the photographs, including photographers, artists and journalists,
a thief known for looting possessions from the dead on battlefields, and members
of the United States Sanitary Commission.
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