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

This small chromolithograph shows us the Capitol of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, and it was created by Allen & Ginter for their Cigarettes Brands series. These cards, which became popular in the late 19th century, were originally designed to stiffen cigarette packs and advertise the brand. But, their subjects also reflected and shaped cultural values. At a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, images of grand state buildings reinforced notions of progress, order, and national pride. The architectural style, drawing from classical antiquity, implicitly connected the United States to a lineage of powerful empires. However, this narrative of progress often obscured the experiences of marginalized communities, including enslaved people, exploited workers, and disenfranchised women. Consider how these cards, circulated widely, contributed to a sense of shared identity while simultaneously promoting the consumption of tobacco products. Think about the stories they told, and the ones they left out. It's a potent reminder of how visual culture can shape our understanding of history and belonging.