Fort Sumter

 

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Original 1861 Civil War Print of:

Fort Sumter 

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Fort Sumter 

Fort Sumter 

You are viewing an original 1861 Civil War print  featuring Fort Sumter at the outbreak of the civil war.  It is from an 1861 edition of Harper's Weekly, the most popular illustrated newspaper of the day.  Note that this is not a reprint, and I absolutely guarantee its authenticity.  This leaf is over 140 years old, and the date is clearly marked on the front of print. On the day this leaf was printed, Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States,  Southern States had seceded from the Union, and the opening shots of the war were about to be fired. 

This is a touching and highly collectible illustration of the evacuation of Women and Children from Fort Sumter. The image is captioned, "Good-by to Sumter". The image shows a group of women and children on the deck of a ship.  They are the families of the men of Fort Sumter.  The women and children are being evacuated from Sumter, because of the anticipation of the eminent start of the Civil War. Women are seen waving their handkerchiefs at the men in the fort, unsure if they will ever see their loved ones again. Children are pictured crying, not understanding why they are leaving their fathers behind.  We see the Men standing on the top of the Fort, waving good by to their loved ones.  A canon is seen firing a salute to the women and children as they leave. Women on the deck of the ship are shown on their knees in tearful prayer for the men of Sumter.  One woman is pictured holding her infant high in the air, so the father could get what might be his last glimpse of his small child.

The upper image is captioned, "Officers' Quarters at Fort Sumter", and it shows an officer sitting in a chair inside the Fort.  The officer is reading the newspaper, which is reporting on the secession of Southern States, and the immanent hostilities.  Image includes many important historic details on the interior of the fort, as it appeared at the beginning of the War. 

This is a touching illustration that will make a wonderful display when framed and placed in your home or office.  It fully captures the emotional toll of the Civil War, and the sadness of families separating, and the pain of uncertainty of whether they would ever be re-united. No doubt, for many in this picture, this was a final good-by.

Unlike newsprint of this century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart.  The reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process.   Remnant acid in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate.   A different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150 years.  Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops.  If you have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to email me. The print is approximately 11x16  inches.  I have been collecting Civil War Newspapers for over 10 years.  It is a fascinating hobby, and I find that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.

The leaf is in excellent condition. It has the rich sepia toning that you expect in original material from this period. 

 

 

 

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