Belle Plain Collection

Belle Plain. Distant View of Landing, 1864. Creators: Tim O Sullivan, James Gardner
Belle Plain. Distant View of Landing, 1864. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Confederate Prisoners at Belle Plain, 1863. Creator: Tim O Sullivan
Confederate Prisoners at Belle Plain, 1863. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Belle Plain, Virginia. Lower Wharf, 1864. Creators: Tim O Sullivan, James Gardner
Belle Plain, Virginia. Lower Wharf, 1864. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Belle Plain, Virginia. Potomac River, Upper Wharf, 1864. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Belle Plain, Virginia, 1864. Creators: James Gardner, Tim O Sullivan
Belle Plain, Virginia, 1864. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Confederate Earthworks, Belle Plain, Virginia, 1863. Creators: James Gardner
Confederate Earthworks, Belle Plain, Virginia, 1863. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Confederate Prisoners Belle Plain 12 1863 Albumen silver print
Artokoloro

Confederate Prisoners Belle Plain 1863 Albumen silver print
Artokoloro

Belle Plain Virginia Lower Wharf 1864 Albumen silver print
Artokoloro

Belle Plain Virginia Potomac River Upper Wharf
Artokoloro

Belle Plain Virginia 1864 Albumen silver print
Artokoloro

Confederate Earthworks Belle Plain Virginia 1863
Artokoloro

PONTOON BRIDGE, 1864. Pontoon bridge being built by the United States Military Railroad Construction Corps, on the wharf at Belle Plain, Virginia. Photograph by Andrew Russell, 1864

CIVIL WAR: PONTOON BRIDGE. Pontoon Bridge built for General Ulysses W. Grants army at Belle Plain Landing on Potomac Creek, Virginia, May 1864

CIVIL WAR: SUPPLY BASE, 1864. Wagons of the U. S. Sanitary Commission and crowds at the landing at Belle Plain
CIVIL WAR: SUPPLY BASE, 1864. Wagons of the U.S. Sanitary Commission and crowds at the landing at Belle Plain, Virigina, when it served as a Union Army supply base during General Ulysses S

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"Belle Plain: A Glimpse into the Past" Step back in time to Belle Plain, a small town in Virginia that played a significant role during the American Civil War. Through the lens of talented photographers Tim O'Sullivan and James Gardner, we are transported to this historic place. In May 1863, O'Sullivan captured an iconic image titled "Confederate Prisoners at Belle Plain. " This haunting photograph depicts Confederate soldiers who were taken captive during the war. Their weary faces tell stories of hardship and sacrifice. A year later, both O'Sullivan and Gardner documented Belle Plain's landscape. From a distant view of the landing to images of lower and upper wharves along the Potomac River, these photographs showcase the town's importance as a transportation hub during wartime. Gardner also focused his lens on Confederate earthworks at Belle Plain in 1863. These defensive structures stand as reminders of the intense battles fought in this area. The combination of Gardner's artistic eye with O'Sullivan's technical skill brings these historical sites to life once again. As we delve deeper into their collection from 1864, it becomes clear that both photographers had an affinity for capturing everyday life in Belle Plain. Whether it was people going about their daily routines or scenes depicting bustling activity at various wharves, they provide us with glimpses into what life was like during this tumultuous period. One cannot ignore how often Confederate prisoners appear throughout these photographs, and is evident that Belle Plain served as an important location for holding captured soldiers. The albumen silver print from December 1863 showcases yet another group of prisoners - stoic men whose lives have been forever changed by war. Through these captivating images, we gain insight into not only the physical landscape but also into human experiences shaped by conflict and resilience. As we reflect on our shared history, let us remember places like Belle Plain and honor those who lived and fought here.