Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Currier & Ives Bombardment of Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Island, Geo 10th & 11th of April 1862

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02881.08 Author/Creator: Currier & Ives Place Written: New York, New York Type: Print Date: 1862 Pagination: 1 lithograph : col. ; 30.2 x 40.4 cm. Order a Copy

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Print is mounted. Caption under the title reads: "After a bombardment of 30 hours, the Fort surrendered unconditionally to the U.S. Forces, under the immediate command of Genl. Q. A. Gillmore. 360 Prisoners, 47 Cannon, 40,000 pounds of Powder, and a large quantity of provisions fell into the hands of the loyal North." Vivid depiction of orange explotions inside and around the fort that lighten up the night. Orange and black smoke dominates the image. The flagpole with a Confederate flag is snapped and barely hanging on. The fort is clearly in dire straights.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources