[Detachment of 50th N.Y. Volunteer Engineers, Pontoon Wagon and Saddle Boat] 1862 - 1866

This photograph, taken by Timothy O'Sullivan during the American Civil War, depicts a pontoon wagon, a crucial piece of military equipment used by the 50th New York Volunteer Engineers. The wagon is designed to transport pontoons, which are floating platforms used to build bridges across rivers and other obstacles. O'Sullivan's stark, detail-oriented image captures the utilitarian nature of the wagon, highlighting the ingenuity and necessity of such tools in the face of conflict. The photograph provides a glimpse into the daily life and work of engineers during the war, offering a unique historical perspective on military logistics and innovation.