[Transports and Steamers, Belle Plain Landing, Virginia] 1864

Timothy O’Sullivan’s 1864 photograph “[Transports and Steamers, Belle Plain Landing, Virginia]” captures the bustle of a military encampment during the American Civil War. Taken from a high vantage point, the image showcases a variety of vessels, including transports and steamers, docked at Belle Plain Landing on the Rappahannock River. The composition highlights the vastness of the water and the scale of the military operation, while also emphasizing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. O’Sullivan was a prominent photographer of the Civil War, known for his stark, documentary style. This photograph is a powerful reminder of the war’s impact on both the human and natural world.