Fort Pickens, Pensacola Florida

You are viewing an original 1861 Civil War illustration of the Confederate Batteries near Fort Pickens and Pensacola Florida .  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,  and the Civil War was in its opening chapter! 

This illustration is a dramatic Civil War scene near Pensacola Florida.  It is captioned, "The Confederate Batteries Opposite Fort Pickens, Florida".  It shows the fortifications, and a number of ships in the bay.  This is a Front Page illustration, making it even more collectible and displayable.

The reverse side of the leaf contains a variety of interesting stories on the news of the day.  There is a fascinating story on "The Right of Secession", which speculates on Virginia's intentions to secede.  It also contains a story on "Ft. McRae, Pensacola",  This describes the fortifications around the area of Santa Rosa Island in Pensacola bay.  There is an intriguing story titled, "The Mission of the Negro" discussing the issue of emancipation.  There is also a story on "The Border States", which discusses the position and politics of the Border States.  These stories contain a wealth of rich historic content.

This is an important and collectible illustration. It will make a fabulous display when framed and placed in your office or study.  It would make a lovely gift for anyone interested in the Civil War, or anyone living in the Pensacola Florida area.  Material like this is becoming increasingly difficult to find, so you will not want to miss this one!

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  good condition. It has the rich sepia toning that you expect in original material from this period. The upper left corner is a little ragged, but this will be behind the mat when you frame it.  There are finger smudges in the margins from people handling it over the last 130 years.  There are a few spots of light foxing. The print will display very nicely.