Knoxville, Tenn., Vicinity. Bridge at Strawberry Plains, 20 Miles Northeast of Knoxville; Camera on Tripod at Right

  • Creator: George N. Barnard (1819-1902)
  • Title: Knoxville, Tenn., Vicinity. Bridge at Strawberry Plains, 20 Miles Northeast of Knoxville; Camera on Tripod at Right
  • Date: 1864
  • Description: This photograph depicts a standing soldier resting his gun on end next to the near side of a railroad bridge whose wooden rail bed is supported by stone pillars.
  • Historical Note: This bridge across the Holston River was critical to the movement of troops and supplies during the Civil War. It was one of those targeted by the East Tennessee loyalist bridge burners in late 1861, but failed to be burned due to the sentry's watchfulness. After William C. Pickens lit his torch, a scuffle ensued and Pickens lost his matches in the darkness. Barnard was a photographer in the Topographical Branch of the Department of Engineers, Army of the Cumberland, United States Army. He traveled to Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga in 1864. Barnard's camera is visible in the far right of the picture, positioned on a tripod. Barnard used an 18" x 22" camera, which would have been too cumbersome to carry into battle. The photographer also needed chemicals and a portable dark room to quickly fix the image to his exposed plate. He would also need fresh water to rinse the finished negative. For this reason, most representations of battle were made by illustrators. Photographs were useful for documenting the landscape to prepare for troop advancement and map making.
  • Contributing Institution: Library of Congress
  • Rights: Images reproduced on this website are intended for individual, educational use only. For research inquiries about specific objects or requests for high resolution images, contact the Library of Congress.
  • Digital Publisher: Digital Initiatives, James E. Walker Library, Middle Tennessee State University
  • URL: http://cdm15838.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/landingpage/collection/shades
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