Union Army Contributions as a Percent of the 1860 Population
A breakdown of about 2.1 million soldiers contributed by each loyal state and the District of Columbia during the Civil War as a percent of the 1860 U.S. Census population
Tag: massachusetts
Artisans of Ames: An antebellum portrait of the people behind the prominent Civil War arms manufacturer
By Ron Maness, with images and artifacts from the author’s collection This group of men is identified as artisans of the Ames Manufacturing Company, makers of military arms and other
Oscar F. Douglas: The Photographer Behind the Iconic USCT Drummer Boy
By Kurt Luther The pair of cartes de visite of a young African American boy transformed from a runaway slave into a Union drummer boy are among the most memorable
A Highlander, 1859
By Ron Field Scottish immigrants to the U.S. during the 19th century brought with them a rich military tradition. Wearing full Highland uniforms, militia companies of Scottish origin formed in
The Caribbean Plantation Backdrop
By Adam Ochs Fleischer The backdrop featured in this installment is noteworthy because the content of the scene is compelling and subject to interpretation. Usually, backdrops of the era are
On Henry: Inspiration, Mentor and Friend
My favorite story about Henry Deeks, or Dan as he was also known, predates the digital era, when collectors relied on printed catalogs to purchase Civil War artifacts. What distinguished
Bearskin and Brass: A Stylish Bay Stater
At first glance, the mammoth bearskin cap parked on the table next to this soldier is an attention-grabber. Though the name of its wearer is currently lost in time, the
Unsung Pioneer Photo Collector: Samuel Crocker Lawrence and the Medford Collection
By Ronald S. Coddington Veterans have always told war stories. Those who survived the Civil War were no exception, and they number among the earliest to recall their service through
A Bay State Militiaman in Full Dress Uniform
Hosea Ballot Ellis (1822-1889), of Quincy, Mass., is attired in the uniform of a Bay State militiaman. Standard trappings include white shoulder belts, epaulettes and a black waist belt with