Washington D.C. in the 1860s: A City at War Through the Lens of Mathew Brady

Mathew Brady, a prominent photographer of the 19th century, left behind a powerful visual record of the Civil War era (1860-1865). His photographs of Washington D.C. during this period offer a unique glimpse into the nation’s capital at a time of great upheaval. These images capture the city’s transformation from a relatively quiet town to the bustling center of a nation at war.

Brady’s work was groundbreaking for its time. He and his team of photographers traveled to battlefields and military camps, documenting the realities of war. This was a new form of war reporting. His photographs of Washington D.C. show the city’s important role during the conflict. The city served as the headquarters of the Union government and a major staging area for the Union army.

Many of Brady’s photographs focus on important government buildings, such as the Capitol Building and the White House. These buildings served as symbols of the Union cause. The Capitol Building, still under construction during this period, is a frequent subject in Brady’s photographs. The unfinished dome is a stark reminder of the nation’s divided state.

The White House, the residence of President Abraham Lincoln, is also featured in several images. These photos offer a glimpse into the center of political power during the war.

#1 Botanical Gardens, Washington D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#2 Old Capitol Prison, Washington D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#3 Cavalry Depot at Giesboro, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#4 Fort Carroll. Defenses of Washington, D.C., near Giesboro

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#5 Fort Carroll, interior view, District of Columbia

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#6 Barracks, Fort Meigs, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#7 Aqueduct Bridge at Georgetown, D.C. or Meigs Bridge

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#8 Arsenal Grounds, Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#9 Fort Totten, near Washigton City, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#10 Fort Totten, near Rock Creek Church, D. C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#11 Hospital near Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#12 Fort near Washington City, DC

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#13 Fort Carroll, near Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#14 Bridge across the Eastern Branch, Washington, D.C., 1862

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#15 Cavalry stables, Geisboro, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#16 Headquarters, Giesboro, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#17 Surgeons of Harewood Hospital, Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#18 Hospital near Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#19 Barracks at Fort Carroll near Giesboro Point, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#20 Fort Totten, D.C. Defenses of Washington

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#21 Camp scene and Fort (Perhaps near Washington.)

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#22 Officers of 55th Inf. at Fort Tennalytown, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#23 Fort near Washington, D.C. May be Ft. Slemmer

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#24 Capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#25 Cavalry Depot. Giesboro, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#26 Corral at Giesboro, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#27 Long Bridge, Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#28 Maryland Avenue Depot at Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#29 Hospital near Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#30 Carver Hospital, Washington, D.C. Interior View

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#31 Hospital near Washington, D.C.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#32 Wiard 6 lb. Guns, Washington Arsenal. Excelsior Brigade

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#33 Harewood Hospital near Washington City, D.C

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#34 View of Washington, D.C

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#35 Washington Barracks, D.C. Old Caption Arsenal at Washington.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#36 Hospital near Washington City, D.C

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#37 Hospital near Washington City

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#38 Hospital near Washington, D.C

0 Points

Upvote Downvote

#39 Grand Review, 1865. Washington, Showing Reviewing Stand with General Grant,  Cabinet.

0 Points

Upvote Downvote