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
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Doc Holliday's Watch
Was this watch a gift from the fearless frontier lawman Wyatt Earp to the gambler Doc Holliday?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
George Washington Portrait
Could this be an authentic portrait of the nation's first president?
-
Related Investigation
Dutch Colonial Home
What role did these menacing forts play in the settling of this part of the West?
-
Related Investigation
Army Muster Roll
What can a Continental Army muster roll tell us about this remarkable African-American soldier?
-
Also in Season 9
Hot Town Poster
What role did this striking poster play in the explosive events of 1960s 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.