A Short History of General Sterling Price, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small booklet, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features a portrait of General Sterling Price and was included in packets of Duke brand cigarettes. These cards, produced in the United States, were more than just marketing tools; they offer insight into the social and cultural memory of the Civil War. The figure of General Price is carefully posed and rendered, the very image of military authority. He served as a Confederate General, and his inclusion reveals the complex ways in which the leaders of the Confederacy were remembered and even celebrated long after the war's end. Produced in the late 19th century, these booklets reflect a nostalgic view of the "lost cause." To truly understand this image, one must consider the history of the American South and the institutional forces that shaped its memory. Further investigation in archives and historical societies may reveal more about how figures like General Price were presented and understood at the time. By exploring the historical context, we can better grasp the meaning and significance of this seemingly simple piece of ephemera.