A Short History of General Ambrose Powell Hill, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small booklet, created by W. Duke and Sons, was part of a series of promotional cigarette cards that became popular in the late 19th century. These cards, like miniature billboards, often depicted historical figures, actors, or athletes. This particular card immortalizes General Ambrose Powell Hill, a Confederate commander during the American Civil War. The image, rendered in bright, almost celebratory colors, presents a romanticized vision of the Confederacy, strategically omitting the brutal realities of slavery and racial oppression. It’s interesting to consider how these images shaped public memory and perpetuated particular narratives about the war, effectively sanitizing its history. What does it mean to memorialize a figure whose legacy is so deeply intertwined with the defense of a system built on the dehumanization of others? This card serves as a potent reminder of how deeply embedded these biased narratives are within our culture.