Support provided by:
The Case:
For the first time History Detectives teams up with Antiques Roadshow to trace the story behind two people in a fascinating photograph.
The photo shows two men, one black and the other white, both dressed in Confederate uniforms. History Detectives host Wes Cowan first encountered this Civil War tintype in his role as an Antiques Roadshow appraiser.
The Antiques Roadshow episode unleashed a flood of responses, from viewers, bloggers and historians. Now the owner of this tintype and his friend, both direct descendants of the two men in the photograph, ask Wes Cowan to track down the rest of the story.
Was the African American dressed in a Confederate uniform a slave or free? History Detectives investigates the story behind this one of a kind photograph.
Silas' Pension Application
Related Content
Feature:
Feature:
Feature:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
McKinley Casket Flag
Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Fillmore Pardon
Did President Fillmore pardon a Native American convicted of murder?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Long Expedition
Is this the site of the one of the most significant expeditions in the United States?
-
Related Investigation
Marion Carpenter Camera
What might this battered camera reveal about a photographer who changed the image of a U.S president?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Baker's Gold
What role did these unusual drawings play in one of the largest mass migrations in American history?
-
Related Investigation
Old Fire Station
Did President Ulysses S. Grant stop by a New Jersey firehouse on the centennial of America?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Civil War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentI am tremendously happy i have come across this particular website. (14 hours ago)
- TwitterHappy Birthday, Bob Dylan! 71-y o today. Our premiere episode explores the Dylan guitar that changed R&R history. July 17, 9p/8p C. Watch! (2 days ago)
- FacebookIt wasn't until I sat in a class taught by Inez Turley at Mesa Community College that the study of the past became a passion for me. Who was the teacher that inspired you? --Eduardo (2 days ago)