U.S. Frigate Cumberland, 54 Guns. The flag ship of the Gulf Squadron, Com. Perry 1848

Currier and Ives created this print of the U.S. Frigate Cumberland in 1869, using lithography, a technique that allowed for mass production and wide distribution. It’s no coincidence that this image was made just after the American Civil War. Here we see the Cumberland, flagship of the Gulf Squadron, powerfully rendered with its full sails and 54 guns. The print celebrates American naval power and the idea of national unity, as the United States attempted to heal divisions after a period of conflict. Prints like these played a significant role in shaping public opinion and reinforcing national identity. To truly understand this image, we need to research the history of the U.S. Navy, the role of the Cumberland in naval operations, and the cultural context of post-Civil War America. By consulting historical archives, newspapers, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the print's social and cultural significance.