A black and white photograph of men advertising with signs posted on their horse and buggies

Wagons and camera of Sam A. Cooley, U.S. photographer, Department of the South.

Photography in the Civil War

Learn more about photography during the Civil War, from techniques used in the 1860s — including 3-D photography — to what photos can reveal about battles to tips on taking photos yourself on the battlefield.

Explore Photography

Civil War | Primary Source

Shirley House Document Based Questions

Step Into The Rebel Sharpshooter at Gettysburg Photograph

Civil War | Video

Step Into Antietam: The Bloodiest Day in American History

Garry Adelman visits Antietam National Battlefield to document the locations of four famous photographs of the bloodiest day in American History. View...

Civil War | Primary Source

Gettysburg: "In Company With The Army Photographer"

Charles H. Keener worked with the Christian Commission and tried to reach Gettysburg to help care for the wounded after the battle.

Sketch of an eagle spreading its wings with a banner in its mouth

Civil War | Primary Source

"Getting A Negative of the Large Assembly on the Cemetery Ground"

Samuel Weaver wrote about the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg and his role in helping to rebury the dead. He also noted that his son...