Uprising of the North

Commemorating the first anniversary of the outbreak of the American Civil War.

This striking woodcut print, based on an illustration by C. Parsons, was published as a centerfold in the April 19, 1862 edition of Harper’s Weekly. One year (and one week) earlier, the first shots of the Battle of Fort Sumter inaugurated America’s bloodiest conflict – the Civil War.

The burning fort can be seen in the lower center of the image, swarmed by regiments from Unionist states. Implements of war – anvil, cannon, and plow – highlight the North’s economic superiority. Bunker Hill, the Capital, and the Navy are shown amidst the rising smoke.

The verso presents an interesting ‘Balloon View of the Vicinity of New Orleans, Looking Toward the Gulf of Mexico’, along with a small topographic map of the approaches to Savannah, Georgia. The Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip kicked off the day prior to publication, resulting in the ultimate capture of the city by Union forces later in the month.