Fort Brady, James River 1864

Andrew Joseph Russell made this photograph of "Fort Brady, James River," during the American Civil War. Russell worked for the Union Army as a photographer. He captured images of military infrastructure and personnel, many of which were used for reconnaissance and documentation purposes. This image shows us a temporary encampment of Union soldiers. They are gathered near the James River. The setting is informal, with soldiers relaxing, suggesting a lull in the fighting. But the presence of tents and the river show that this is a strategic location during the war. It is important to see Russell's photograph not just as a neutral record, but as a product of Union military power. Understanding the institutional context of these images is key. By consulting military archives, letters, and other documents, we can better understand the complex social dynamics of the Civil War. And we can better understand the public role of photography in documenting and shaping public opinion about the conflict.