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
Video:
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Preston Brook's Riding Crop
Was this riding crop a gift from Jefferson Davis as a reward for attacking a political opponent?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Fillmore Pardon
Did President Fillmore pardon a Native American convicted of murder?
-
Related Investigation
Bonus Army Stamp
Is this stamp connected to a moment when the U.S. Army fought fellow soldiers in the nation’s capital?
-
Also in Season 5
Women's Suffrage Painting
What role did this watercolor painting play in securing women the right to vote?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Kittery Telescope
What can this telescope reveal about America’s earliest struggles for independence?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Flint Lock Rifle
Was this the gun of one of the most infamous bandits operating to undermine the birth of our nation?
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.