Capitol of New Jersey in Trenton, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph of the New Jersey State Capitol was produced by Allen & Ginter for distribution with their cigarettes. These cards were enormously popular in the late 19th century, and functioned as miniature advertisements as well as collectible items. The Capitol building is rendered in precise detail, emphasizing its imposing scale and classical architectural style. The choice of subject matter speaks to the post-Civil War era’s interest in national identity and civic pride. Allen & Ginter’s series showcased not only state capitols, but also prominent government buildings, thus reinforcing a sense of American progress and stability. The late 1800s was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and the marketing of cigarettes through collectible cards like this one reflects the evolving consumer culture of the time. To fully understand this image, one might delve into the archives of advertising history or examine other examples of ephemera from the period, gaining insight into both the commercial strategies and the cultural values of a bygone era.