CIVIL WAR.  Original Civil War-dated carte-de-visite of an African American Union soldier stationed at the front of the Guard House in Charleston, South Carolina after the city fell in early 1865.  Taken by W.E. James, contains the photographer’s imprint and handwritten title on the recto, measures 4 by 2.375 inches, and in near pristine condition with only minor soiling.

ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR-DATED CDV OF AN AFRICAN AMERICAN UNION SOLDIER STATIONED AT THE FRONT OF THE GUARD HOUSE IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA AFTER THE CITY FELL IN EARLY 1865

Following the Battle of Fort Sumter, the Union constantly attacked Charleston, but were unable to capture it until February 1865.  African American regiments are documented to have been stationed in Charleston. The Guard House served as a jail for Union and Confederate prisoners of war, most famously African American soldiers from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment captured at the Battle of Fort Wagner.