Pontoon Bridge Train, James River 1864

"Pontoon Bridge Train, James River" (1864) by Andrew Joseph Russell captures a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The photograph depicts a line of covered wagons, likely used for transporting supplies and troops across the James River. The image's starkness and simplicity highlight the wartime reality, with the absence of background details further emphasizing the scale of the operation. Russell's work is known for its documentary style, providing a valuable visual record of the conflict's logistical challenges and the everyday lives of soldiers. This photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the logistical complexities and human toll of the Civil War.