[Civil War View] 1860s

Thomas C. Roche made this albumen silver print titled [Civil War View], during a period of intense conflict and division in the United States. In this stark photograph, we see a long, wooden structure, likely a storage building or barracks, which speaks to the material realities of war. While devoid of dramatic battle scenes, Roche's image captures the quiet, logistical aspects of the Civil War. These places were the silent witnesses to the conflict's impact on individual lives and the broader social fabric. Roche's decision to focus on the architecture allows the viewer to reflect on the war's impact on both the landscape and the human experience. The bleakness of the scene can evoke a sense of the war's emotional toll, touching upon themes of loss, displacement, and the disruption of everyday life. The image serves as a reminder of the ways in which war permeates all aspects of society, both public and private, and leaves an enduring mark on collective memory.