New photography by Pat Cagney captured with a digital camera.

Attempting to Right a Derailed Locomotive

Artist Andrew Joseph Russell (American, 1830-1902)

Date1863

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsOverall, Image: 10 1/16 × 12 5/8 in. (25.6 × 32.1 cm)
Overall, Support: 16 1/8 × 20 in. (41 × 50.8 cm)
Overall, Mat: 24 × 28 in. (61 × 71.1 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange

Object number98.32.5

Terms

U.S. Civil War
Orange
Alexandria, VA
Manassas

Collections

Photography

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe David L. Hack Civil War Photography Collection. A photograph of several men in the woods trying to turn over a derailed train, back up an inclined hill. There appears to be a rope and pulley system being used. Many of the men are facing the camera. There is a man standing with legs apart in the center, with dark clothes and dark hat. This is Plate 10 from _Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War_ (Hack Collection No. 205).

Label TextAndrew J. Russell American (1820-1902) Attempting to Right a Derailed Locomotive, Orange and Alexandria Railroad, Manassas, Virginia, 1863 Albumen print on original mount 98.32.5 Because the Orange and Alexandria was the most direct rail route from Washington to Richmond, it was arguably the most important and sought after railroad in Virginia. It served as the main route for troops and supplies during the war. This scene is typical of the mayhem wrought by Mosby's Raiders in the Shenandoah Valley. Of all the photographers who worked during the war, Russell was the only one who was actually a member of the armed forces. Holding the rank of Captain, and assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers, he photographed many of the bridges and other construction projects managed by the Corps. Edited By: DS Edited Date: 01/2006