A Short History: General Wade Hampton, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This small printed card, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century, promoted "Honest Long Cut" tobacco. These cards, printed on paper, were essentially miniature advertisements, mass-produced to be included in tobacco packages. The chromolithography process allowed for detailed and colorful images, depicting General Wade Hampton, a Confederate military figure. The card is divided into sections with a portrait, a depiction of a soldier, and decorative patterns, all aimed to catch the consumer's eye. The card's existence speaks volumes about the industrialization and commercialization of everyday life. It's a reminder of how even historical figures and military imagery were co-opted to sell consumer products. The card signifies the labor and resources needed for tobacco production, from the fields to the factory, and reveals the social context of the late 19th century, linking consumption, memory, and the aftermath of the Civil War.