[Ruins of the Arsenal, Richmond, Virginia, after Evacuations] 1865

This photograph of the Richmond Arsenal in Virginia, was taken by Alexander Gardner sometime during or shortly after the American Civil War. Gardner documented the devastating aftermath of war, capturing scenes of destruction and desolation. The skeletal remains of the Arsenal stand as a stark testament to the Confederacy's defeat, but also to the labor required to build and maintain such a place. Enslaved people were forced to work in Confederate factories such as this one in Richmond, producing weapons and supplies for the army. Gardner's photograph invites us to contemplate not only the physical destruction of war but also the human cost of slavery and conflict. While he focused on battlefields, his images can also speak to the lives and experiences of those whose forced labor fueled the war. Consider how the image might make you reflect on themes of power, exploitation, and the complex legacies of the Civil War era.