Magnus, Charles "Soldiers Rest, Washington, D.C."

Charles Magnus. "Soldiers Rest, Washington, D.C."

New York: C. Magnus, 1864. Chromolithograph. 10 3/4 x 16 3/4. Bright colors and clear image. Excellent condition. 

During the American Civil War, Charles Magnus printed many images for use by military personnel and the general public in the form of letterhead writing paper and envelopes and souvenirs such as this separately issued print. These were sold during the war years and often sent home to show the family where the boys and men were stationed. No doubt, such pictures were sold after the war at regimental reunions, so they had an active market. 

This is one of the more interesting prints of a camp in Washington, D.C. because it not only shows the outline and architecture of Soldier's Rest, but also it shows a train arriving amid joyous cheers as well as the surrounding houses on Capitol Hill. To the right background is the U.S. Capitol shown with the Thomas U. Walter dome completed, even though in 1864 the dome was incomplete and had scaffolding on it.

Other Magnus Civil War:

Harewood Hospital, Washington, DC

Carver Barracks, Washington, DC

Satterlee U.S.A. General Hospital, West Philadelphia