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 this episode
Harlem Heirs
How is this ornate document connected to the earliest settlers of New York City and a potential multi-million dollar land dispute?
-
Related Investigation
Crazy Horse Photo
Is this the only photograph of a Native American legend?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Chief Black Kettle
Are these war spoils of a Cheyenne chief?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Baker's Gold
What role did these unusual drawings play in one of the largest mass migrations in American history?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Lawrence Billy Club
Was this truncheon used in the famous Bread and Roses labor strike?
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.