Civil War

Gallery

The End of the Civil War, In Detail

As the Civil War ended, photographers culminated their extensive coverage of the conflict with a flurry of activity. The fall of Confederate strongholds at Petersburg and Richmond, Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, and the sheer number of soldiers who flocked to Washington provided access — and photographic opportunities — not previously available to northern photographers.

These photographs were exposed on glass plates, generally 40 square inches or more. Even 150 years later, photographers struggle to achieve similar resolution even with large digital cameras. Each glass plate negative presends an opportunity to see the Civil War in detail.

(16 photos in gallery)

Petersburg Falls

Library of Congress

When the ten-month siege of Petersburg ended in early April 1865, Union photographers had access to the city for the first time. They recorded hundreds of views of the city and its surroundings. Many focused their lenses upon Confederate trenches that had protected the Cockade City for so long.

Petersburg In-Depth

Library of Congress

Most Civil War photos were recorded in stereoscopic, or 3-D, format. Photographers were careful to compose their views and arrange the subjects at various distances from the camera to increase the depth in the 3-D photo.

Faces at War's End

Library of Congress

Upon zooming in to Civil War photos, you see more clearly how similar we are to those who lived in the 1860s. They smiled. They couldn’t keep still. They joked around, and they did what they had to do.

The Surrender

Library of Congress

Photographers failed to reach Appomattox Courthouse in time to secure photos of Generals Grant and Lee at the famous surrender. Timothy O’Sullivan did, however, expose plates in the area soon after. Here, soldiers and civilians pose outside the Courthouse itself.

Wilmer McLean

Library of Congress

Among the civilians is none other than Wilmer McLean, in whose house the surrender documents were signed. McLean lived in Manassas when the Civil War started and he moved to Appomattox to get away from the conflict. War seemed to follow him.

Relief

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The soldiers look relieved. The war is over. They can stack muskets and relax a little.

Dignity in Defeat

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Robert E. Lee returned to his rented home in Richmond just days after the surrender. On April 20, 1865, Mathew Brady managed to secure a session with Lee. A civilian now, but donning a Confederate uniform once again, Lee poses with dignity.

Lee the General

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Lee looks tired but his legendary fighting spirit is evident in his eyes.

Graffiti

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Of the six Brady photos taken below the lower, rear porch, three include graffiti, all but certainly intentionally inscribed onto Lee’s house by a Union soldier. It reads “Devil.” In the last three photos, the graffiti is smudged out.

The Grand Review

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On May 23-24, 1865, some 200,000 Union soldiers marched in victory on Pennsylvania Avenue. Here, a blur of soldiers passes the main reviewing stand on the north side of the White House. Veteran Reserve Corps troops line the front of the stand.

The Union High Command

Library of Congress

In this incredible detail several dignitaries are identifiable including General Ulysses S. Grant (to the right of the post) and to the right Edwin Stanton (in profile, blurred), President Andrew Johnson, Gen. Wesley Merritt, a bespectacled Gen. George G. Meade, Gideon Welles (blurred, white beard) and further to the right with a white glove near his mouth, Gen. William T. Sherman, among others.

Firsthand View

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For two days, spectators lined the parade route, taking in the massive display of military force and trying to spot soldiers about whom most had only read.

Retribution

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On July 7, 1865, four convicted Lincoln assassination conspirators were hanged on the Old Arsenal grounds in Washington, D.C.

Last Moments of Life

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Nooses are being put on the condemned. From left, Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold and George Atzerodt.

Human Nature

Library of Congress

It was a very hot day. The soldier at left is known to have just vomited and is steadying himself on a post as four people are about to be put to death, just above.