You are viewing an
original 1861 print of Annapolis. It is an original leaf 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. The date is clearly marked on the front of the print.
On the day this leaf was printed, the Civil War was in its opening
Chapter, and many Annapolis graduates were about to see their first
action.
This is a rare and
displayable print, rich with historic content. The top image is
captioned, "General View of Annapolis, with the Constitution in the
Foreground." The center image is captioned, "The Practice Battery at
Annapolis." The Lower image is captioned, "Target Practice From the Naval
Battery", and shows sailor standing on a dock looking through a
telescope. A man can be seen a short distance away in a row boat.
Making this an even
more interesting piece is surrounding the images is a story on Annapolis.
The story is full of interesting details of the Naval Academy as it was at
the beginning of the Civil War. The story included, "These grounds and
views compose one of the most lovely spots that ever was beheld by mortal
eyes", and "Everybody knows that Annapolis is to the Navy what West Point
is to the Army".
Making this print
too important to pass up is that on the other side of the leaf is a
picture and story of the burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper's
Ferry, which marked the start of hostilities in the Civil War! |