Chicago, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This small card depicting the Chicago, U.S.N. battleship is part of the "Famous Ships" series by Allen & Ginter, included in Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, were designed to promote consumerism and patriotism. However, they also reveal a more complex story. The glorification of naval power coincided with America's increasing imperial ambitions and military expansion. Consider how the ship itself embodies a kind of gendered space. Traditionally, ships are referred to with female pronouns, yet they are also sites of male power, labor, and military might. The men who served on these ships came from diverse backgrounds, yet were united under a banner of national identity and, of course, by the very real constraints of class. As you look at this image, reflect on the human stories behind it, the blend of personal ambitions, national narratives, and the socio-economic structures that shaped this era.