Old Capitol Prison, Washington 1861 - 1865

"Old Capitol Prison, Washington" is a historic photograph by William R. Pywell, taken between 1861 and 1865. The image, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts the Old Capitol Prison in Washington D.C. during the American Civil War. The photograph captures the building's exterior with a group of people standing outside, likely prisoners or guards. The photograph serves as a historical record of the prison, a site of confinement for political prisoners and those accused of treason during the war. This photograph, along with other works by Pywell, provides valuable insight into the visual landscape of Washington D.C. during this tumultuous period.