Jericho Mills, North Anna, Virginia 1864

Alexander Gardner captured this scene of Jericho Mills in Virginia during the American Civil War. The most striking symbol here is the bridge crossing the river. Bridges, historically, have served as vital links—connecting not only lands but also cultures and ideas. Yet, they also represent transition and risk. In antiquity, crossing a bridge could symbolize moving from the known to the unknown, or even a passage from life to death, seen in many mythologies. Here, in the context of war, the bridge takes on a more poignant meaning. It becomes a symbol of division and potential conflict, a strategic point of control. Think of the psychological weight carried by such structures in times of war; they are not just crossings but potential battlegrounds, laden with anxiety and strategic importance. The image resonates with a deep, subconscious understanding of how physical structures can embody profound emotional and historical narratives, constantly reshaped by the relentless march of time.