A Short History of General Nathaniel Lyon, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

"A Short History of General Nathaniel Lyon," a booklet produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, offers a glimpse into how historical figures were commodified and consumed. Packaged with Duke brand cigarettes, this collectible card speaks to the cultural climate of the late 19th century. It's an era marked by industrial expansion, the rise of consumer culture, and the lingering aftermath of the Civil War. General Lyon, a Union officer killed early in the war, became a figure of national heroism, and, here, a marketing tool. These cards were immensely popular, acting as both advertisement and a form of accessible historical education. Yet, the romanticized depiction of figures like Lyon often glossed over the complexities and contradictions of their lives and the war itself. It serves as a potent reminder of how narratives of heroism and history are constructed, circulated, and consumed in popular culture.