20 Historical Photos From the Civil War (1861-1865)

History April 9, 2025

The Civil War was responsible for helping shape the very foundation of the United States. From scenes of haunting battlefields to vivid portraits of both soldiers and civilians, this collection of images aims to capture one of the most turbulent periods of time throughout American history.

Regardless of whether you’re a self-proclaimed history buff, or possessed by a case of curiosity, these images will help to provide a lens into a time long since passed.

1. Right out of a movie.

Three men in Civil War uniforms are outside a military tent labeled "HOTEL de 'INK-LIN'." One sits at a table with medical supplies, while two stand beside him. The table has a banner, and the tent is pitched on a grassy area with more tents in the background.
ahxdawg

Those military camps could get intense real quickly.

2. You can see the grim determination written on everyone’s faces.

A historical black and white photo of a family during the Civil War era. A woman stands by a tent washing clothes in a basket, a man in uniform holds a shovel, and children sit nearby. Other soldiers sit in the background.
anonymous

Those poor kids.

3. The painters and the writers were out in full force during the Civil War.

A bearded man is sitting on a large rock, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a long coat. He's sketching or writing on a pad, surrounded by rugged natural terrain. The background shows rocky formations and sparse vegetation.
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He looks fully locked in.

4. People were known to take much needed breaks during the stressful times of the Civil War.

A group of soldiers rests under trees after the Battle of the Wilderness during the American Civil War. Some are seated, while others lie on the ground. Equipment and wooden planks are scattered around them. The scene appears relaxed and calm.
haxdawg5

It’s hard to tell if they’re relaxed or just plain old exhausted.

5. A mother and her daughter share a tender moment during the Civil War.

A black and white photograph of a young girl in a dress standing beside an older woman seated, both wearing period attire from the 1800s. They are outside with a wooden and brick wall in the background. The woman holds a handkerchief and gloves.
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Those times were anything but easy.

6. The styles back then could be quite decadent.

Black and white photo of a young woman with wavy hair, wearing a dark jacket and white blouse with a frilled collar. She has round earrings and a calm expression, looking slightly to the side. The background is plain.
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No kidding though.

7. Now that’s a ten-thousand-yard stare.

A black and white vintage portrait of a woman with wavy dark hair, wearing a dress with a lace collar and a choker necklace. She is facing slightly to the right, with a calm expression and a soft background.
anonymous

She got all dressed up.

8. Disguised as a man (left), Frances Clayton served many months in Missouri artillery and cavalry units in the US Civil War.

Two vintage black-and-white photos show the same person. On the left, dressed in a military uniform with a wide-brimmed hat and sword. On the right, wearing a long Victorian dress with a high collar, seated beside a table.
sweetpeanuts

Doesn’t get much cooler and more impressive than this.

9. Now that’s a beautiful photo from the Civil War if I’ve ever seen one.

A historical black and white photo shows an African American man in a military uniform sitting on a chair. Two young girls stand beside him, one on each side, wearing dresses and bows in their hair. The backdrop is plain and textured.
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You’ve just got to wonder how long they had to pose for this photo in the first place.

10. These guys look like they’ve already had themselves a day.

Four men in Civil War-era uniforms sit on chairs outdoors. Three wear blue jackets and kepis, while one has a dark trimmed beard. They appear relaxed, with a white tent and trees in the background.

Those boots aren’t messing around.

11. That guy in the middle is barely hanging on.

A group of men in Civil War-era military uniforms gather outside a tent. They are seated and standing, with some holding pipes and drinks. A small dog rests on the lap of one man. The scene includes various containers on the ground.
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And the little dog too? Looks like they had a day as well.

12. The colorization of this particular Civil War photo takes it to a whole new level.

A side profile of a bearded man in a dark suit with a white shirt and black bow tie, sitting on an ornate chair against a plain background.
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To say that he’s wearing a grave expression doesn’t even begin to cover it.

13. This guy didn’t mess around with his fits.

A bearded man in a light blue military uniform with gold buttons sits in an ornate chair. He holds a hat in his left hand and gazes to the right. The background features a building with a wooden door. The image has a vintage, colored effect.
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He tried to capitalize on things with the top hat there too.

14. A colorized photo of Abraham Lincoln from the Civil War. Now that’s cool.

A historical colorized photograph shows three men standing in front of a canvas tent. Two wear stovepipe hats and suits, while the third wears a military uniform. The background includes trees and grassy ground.
anonymous

Seems like plenty of folks have heard of him at one point or another.

15. Ulysses S. Grant near the end of the American Civil War, 1865

A historical figure in a dark military uniform with gold details and shoulder stars sits on a chair. He has a beard and a serious expression, with his left arm resting on the chair's armrest against a light green background.
anonymous

Those are some steely blues.

16. Nick Biddle, “First Man Wounded In The Civil War”, c. 1861

A historical portrait of a man in a blue military uniform with red trim and gold buttons. He has short, curly hair and a beard. The background is plain and gray, emphasizing the distinguished and composed expression on his face.
flashbacks19

Now that’s a powerful photograph if I’ve ever seen one.

17. General William T. Sherman

A historical or military figure in a formal uniform with multiple buttons and epaulets. He has a short beard and is looking to the left. The background is plain and neutral.
anonymous

He certainly had to hold that stoic expression for quite some time.

18. Civil War surgeon J.G. Holston, 1860

A stern-looking man with glasses and a mustache sits for a portrait, wearing a historical military uniform with double rows of buttons and shoulder epaulettes, set against a plain backdrop.
discocowboyhat

The sheer amount of traumatizing scenes that this man must’ve encountered during the Civil War is unimaginable.

19. Seven officers at one of the defences in Washington during the American Civil War, circa 1861

A historical photo of seven soldiers in blue uniforms from the American Civil War era standing and sitting around large cannons on a fortification. Some soldiers hold swords, and a grassy embankment is visible in the background.
htsumod

Those cannons meant serious business.

20. Rear Admiral John Adolphus Bernard Dahlgren, on the deck of the U.S.S. Pawnee

A man in a naval uniform stands on a ship's deck next to a large cannon. He holds a hat and has a serious expression. The background shows a calm sea under a clear blue sky. Thick ropes are coiled nearby.
gdwcolor

Looks to be a grim day out at sea, indeed.

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