Pontoon Bridge, James River 1864

Andrew Joseph Russell's "Pontoon Bridge, James River" (1864) captures a critical moment in American history. This striking photo, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, shows a pontoon bridge crossing the James River during the American Civil War. Russell, a renowned photographer who documented the war, used his camera to capture the scene with a remarkable sense of detail. The photograph reveals the logistical challenges of the conflict, portraying the temporary bridge connecting Union troops on both sides of the James River. This image provides valuable insight into the military operations and the role of photography in documenting a critical period in American history.