Kit Wilson Civil War collection

The American Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865. Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper was a literary and news magazine founded by Frank Leslie in 1852 and published until 1922. Throughout its publication, the newspaper included illustrations and reports, first with wood engravings and Daguerrotypes, and later with more advanced forms of photography, of wars beginning with John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry and the Civil War. Harper's Weekly was an American political magazine based in New York City published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 until 1916. The newspaper extensively covered the Civil War and included many illustrations of events from the war. Alfred A. Stratton (photographs included in collection) lost both of his arms at 19, curing battle at Petersburg, Virginia, on June 18th, 1864. Stratton was a private in Company G of the 147th New York Infantry. Photographs of amputees such as Stratton were taken for medical purposes, but were also sold by amputees to raise money to support themselves.