Aquia Creek Landing 1863

Alexander Gardner captured 'Aquia Creek Landing' with his camera during the American Civil War, a period defined by profound divisions and the fight for emancipation.   Gardner’s image presents a seemingly straightforward scene of Union soldiers and a pontoon bridge, yet it invites us to consider the racial dynamics at play. While Gardner's photographs brought the realities of war to the home front, they also often served a propagandistic purpose, subtly shaping perceptions of the conflict.   The construction and maintenance of these crucial supply lines often relied on the forced labor of enslaved African Americans. This reality, though absent from the frame, simmers beneath the surface, complicating any reading of technological progress or military might. What does it mean to build a bridge to freedom on the backs of those still enslaved?   'Aquia Creek Landing' prompts us to reflect on the ways in which historical narratives are constructed and whose stories are amplified or erased in the process. It’s a stark reminder that even in moments of progress, the shadows of injustice can linger.