[Civil War View] 1860s

Thomas C. Roche made this photograph, [Civil War View], during the American Civil War. Roche worked as a photographer for the Union Army, documenting military activities and landscapes. This image offers a glimpse into the everyday life of soldiers, revealing the stark contrast between the grand narratives of war and the mundane realities of camp existence. Look at the arrangement of tents and wooden structures, highlighting the temporary nature of their settlements. Roche’s photographs often served as propaganda, reinforcing the Union cause and shaping public perceptions of the war. However, this image also provides a somber reflection on the human cost of conflict, inviting viewers to contemplate the experiences of those who lived through this tumultuous period in American history. There's a quiet stillness to it, despite the chaos of the war. This piece invites us to consider the intersections of history, memory, and representation.