African Americans in the Civil War – Object #7

Mustered out colored volunteers at Little Rock, Arkansas

Download Drawing

<p>This black and white drawing shows joyful groups of African American men, women, and children in front of the Old State House in Little Rock. The men wear uniforms and carry knapsacks. The women have long skirts and blouses and bonnets. Children look up at the returning soldiers. A white soldier sits on horseback in the center back of the image, while a couple embraces, with children on either side, in the foreground.</p>

Illustration showing African American soldiers mustering out in Little Rock, Arkansas from Harper’s Weekly, May 19, 1866.

Questions

What people, objects, and activities do you see in this image?

Describe the emotions you see in this drawing. 

How has life changed for African Americans in Arkansas from the start of the war?

Citations

Waud, Alfred R., Artist. “Mustered out” colored volunteers at Little Rock, Arkansas. Harper’s Weekly, May 19, 1866. https://www.loc.gov/item/2009630216/.