Private, 1st Battery, Minnesota, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It depicts a soldier from the 1st Battery of the Minnesota National Guard. These cards were wildly popular, reflecting a late 19th century fascination with military imagery, and the growing culture of consumerism. But, let’s consider this image in a different light: Who was this soldier? What was his background? What led him to military service? The card presents an idealized image of American soldiery, subtly encouraging a sense of national pride. However, it also masks the realities of military life, the complexities of identity, and the diverse experiences of those who served. By focusing on individual stories, we can unpack the nuances of history, and challenge simplified narratives of the past.