Rappahannock River Collection

Fredericksburg, Virginia, February 1863. Creator: Alexander Gardner
Fredericksburg, Virginia, February 1863. Ruined bridge over the Rappahannock. Albumen print, pl. 30 from the album " Gardners Photographic Sketch Book of the War, Volume I" (1866)

Pontoon Bridge Across the Rappahannock, May 1863. Creator: Alexander Gardner
Pontoon Bridge Across the Rappahannock, May 1863. Albumen print, pl. 32 from the album " Gardners Photographic Sketch Book of the War, Volume I" (1866)

Battle of Fredericksburg, pub. L. Prang & Co. 1886 (colour litho)
2655399 Battle of Fredericksburg, pub. L. Prang & Co. 1886 (colour litho) by Thulstrup, Thure de (1848-1930); Private Collection; (add.info)

Wagon Train at Port Royal, Rappahannock River, 1861-65. Creator: Andrew Joseph Russell
Wagon Train at Port Royal, Rappahannock River, 1861-65. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1863. Creator: Andrew Joseph Russell
Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1863. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Port Royal, Rappahannock River, 1861-65. Creator: Andrew Joseph Russell
Port Royal, Rappahannock River, 1861-65. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Unloading Supplies at Port Royal, Virginia, 1861-65. Creator: Andrew Joseph Russell
Unloading Supplies at Port Royal, Virginia, 1861-65. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Blackburns Ford / Rapidan River, The Wilderness, 1861-65. Creator: Tim O Sullivan
Blackburns Ford / Rapidan River, The Wilderness, 1861-65. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

End of the Bridge after Burnsides Attack, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1863. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

Bull Run, 1861-62. Creators: Andrew Joseph Russell, George N. Barnard, Tim O Sullivan
Bull Run, 1861-62. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

MAP: VIRGINIA, c1862. Partial map of the state of Virginia, illustrated with portraits of Union Generals. Engraving, c1862

The Attack on Fredericksburg, Virginia, from National History of the War for the Union
KW315680 The Attack on Fredericksburg, Virginia, from National History of the War for the Union, 1860s (litho) by Chappel

Wagon train crossing the Rappahannock River, US, USA, America, Vintage photography

CIVIL WAR: TRANSPORT, 1862. Federal battery fording a tributary of the Rappahannock River on the day of the Battle of Cedar Mountain, 9 August 1862. Photographed by Timothy H. O Sullivan

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. Union Army troops building pontoon bridges on the Rappahannock River during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, 13 December 1862

CIVIL WAR: CAVALRY CHARGE. Cavalry charge near Rappahannock Station, Virginia, 1864, during the American Civil War. Contemporary pencil drawing by Edwin Forbes

CIVIL WAR: RIVER CROSSING. Unsuccessful attempt of the Union Army to cross the Rappahannock River, Virginia, 20 January 1863. Wood engraving from a contemporary English newspaper

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. The Army of the Potomac crossing the Rappahannock River during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, 13 December 1862. Lithograph by Kurz & Allison, c1888

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA. View of Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. Wood engraving, American, 1856

Confederate defense of Fredericksburg, US Civil War
Mississippians opposing the Union Armys advance into Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Union siege of Fredericksburg, Civil War
Bombardment of Fredericksburg, Virginia, by Burnsides artillery, December 11, 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

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The Rappahannock River, flowing through Fredericksburg, Virginia, holds a significant place in history. In February 1863, Alexander Gardner captured the essence of this iconic river with his lens. His photograph depicts the calm waters reflecting the somber atmosphere that surrounded the area during that time. In May 1863, Gardner once again focused on this mighty river as he photographed a pontoon bridge spanning its width. This bridge served as a lifeline for troops and supplies during one of the most critical periods of the Civil War. The Battle of Fredericksburg is immortalized in an 1886 color lithograph by L. Prang & Co. , showcasing the intense fighting that took place along its banks. The image vividly portrays soldiers engaged in combat amidst smoke-filled skies and crumbling structures. Andrew Joseph Russell's photographs from 1861-65 offer glimpses into life around Port Royal on the Rappahannock River. One captures a wagon train traversing its shores while another showcases unloading supplies at Port Royal—a testament to how vital this waterway was for transportation and logistics during wartime. Russell also documented scenes from Fredericksburg itself in 1863, revealing war-torn streets and shattered buildings—remnants of fierce battles fought nearby. Tim O'Sullivan's lens takes us to Blackburns Ford/Rapidan River within The Wilderness region between 1861-65. His photograph encapsulates both beauty and devastation simultaneously—a tranquil river juxtaposed against ravaged landscapes left behind by conflict. Another poignant image shows what remains after Burnside's attack—an end to a bridge symbolizing not only physical destruction but also dashed hopes and broken dreams for those involved in these historic events. Bull Run is another location forever linked with Rappahannock River history. Photographers Andrew Joseph Russell, George N. Barnard, and Tim O'Sullivan all captured moments from this infamous battle during 1861-62.