New State Uniform, Private, New York State Militia, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of a New York State Militia private was produced around 1888, as part of a series of collectible cards for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were ubiquitous, reflecting a culture deeply intertwined with both tobacco use and military ideals. The image presents a vision of uniformed authority—but it is also an advertisement, subtly normalizing militarism for everyday consumers. Consider the era: Reconstruction was faltering, and the myth of the "Lost Cause" romanticized the Confederacy. These cards often glossed over the complex racial and ethical dimensions of military service, promoting instead a sanitized image of national unity. What does it mean to see a soldier as a marketing tool? How might this have shaped perceptions of duty, honor, and conflict? This seemingly innocuous card invites us to reflect on the narratives we consume, and the ways they shape our understanding of history and identity.