Support provided by:
The Case:
A Civil War enthusiast owns a striking vintage photograph that depicts about 20 older white men in full dress uniform, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with two black men.
In Reconstructionist-era America, association between blacks and whites was frequently taboo. So what brought them together for this portrait?
Their bond, it turns out, was the Grand Army of the Republic, a remarkable fraternal order organized for war veterans. In fact, integration was actually a GAR standard. The reason? The men had in common an affliction that transcended race – a struggle with post traumatic stress.
History Detectives investigates the first national social group to challenge the color barrier.
Season 5, Episode 3
Season 6, Episode 6
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Location:Cazenovia, NY and Washington D.C.
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Drug Smuggling Doll
What does this doll reveal about disease, death and daring during the Civil War?
-
Also in Season 5
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
-
Also in Season 5
Great Mexican War Posters
Is this an advertisement for a film made by an eyewitness to the Mexican Revolution?
-
Related Investigation
Lincoln Forgery
Could this piece of sheet music have come from Abraham Lincoln's private collection?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Chisholm Trail
Did the Chisholm Trail really run through this small town in Texas?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Highlander Badge
Could an amateur treasure diver really have found a possible Revolutionary War artifact?
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 CommentDog war, world war 2, cat island, all these things are based on imagination and people just enjoys to read it. Anyways the concept is great. (16 hours ago)
- TwitterThe awesome professor we worked with today. @ Tisch School of the Arts - Tom Drysdale. Can't wait for this story! http://t.co/o7MjiSiM (2 months ago)
- FacebookOn my way to Italy in the morning for some business. I will have a day of rest in Milan. Will someone recommend the must see sights in Milan? -- Tukufu Zuberi (1 day ago)
Video:
Feature:
Technique:
Technique: