Very fascinating story, and in a little way, illustrates my point in my research that digital tools can allow us to solve questions of history that were previously abandoned as unsolvable.
Solving a Civil War Photograph Mystery
Is this photo fact or fiction? The title information on the bottom left corner of the print says "General Grant at City Point," so the image claims to show General Ulysses S. Grant on horseback, in front of his troops at City Point, Virginia, during the American Civil War. But, once you look closely at the content of the photo, questions begin to surface.
Let's work through the puzzle together, and unravel the mystery. By learning to question what you see in photographs, you can become a better history detective.
Questions
Is that General Grant?
The face resembles Grant, but the head joins the body at an odd angle and the uniform seems wrong for the time period.
Solving a Civil War Photograph Mystery
Is this photo fact or fiction? The title information on the bottom left corner of the print says "General Grant at City Point," so the image claims to show General Ulysses S. Grant on horseback, in front of his troops at City Point, Virginia, during the American Civil War. But, once you look closely at the content of the photo, questions begin to surface.
Let's work through the puzzle together, and unravel the mystery. By learning to question what you see in photographs, you can become a better history detective.
Questions
Is that General Grant?
The face resembles Grant, but the head joins the body at an odd angle and the uniform seems wrong for the time period.