[Signal Tower at Point of Rocks, Appomattox River, Virginia] 1864

This photograph, taken by Timothy O'Sullivan in 1864, depicts a signal tower at Point of Rocks, Virginia, along the Appomattox River. The image captures the stark reality of the Civil War, showcasing a strategically important location with a tall wooden signal tower and a defensive barricade constructed of logs. The two soldiers in the foreground add a human element, highlighting the constant presence of war. O'Sullivan's work as a photographer for the U.S. Geological Survey during the Civil War provides valuable historical documentation of the conflict.