The Advance Guard of the Grand Army of the United States Crossing the Long Bridge over the Potomac at 2 A.M. on May 24, 1861 Possibly 1861

This wood engraving by Winslow Homer, titled "The Advance Guard of the Grand Army of the United States Crossing the Long Bridge over the Potomac at 2 A.M. on May 24, 1861," depicts a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The artwork captures the Union Army's crossing of the Potomac River, a key strategic maneuver that marked the beginning of the war. The image showcases the artist's signature attention to detail, with a clear representation of the soldiers, the bridge, and the moonlit sky. This work is an important example of Homer's early career, when he was known for his war correspondent illustrations for Harper's Weekly.