Civil War Photography

I do not claim to be an expert on Civil War photography, so I will keep this very short.  Photography was around before the war, however, its importance only grew during the war, and the war photographs are still important today.  For example, the photographs shown on this website serve as visual aids in describing the world of the Civil War.  Also, photographs became important for soldiers themselves.  Many had their photograph taken so that it could be sent home to family and loved ones.  The photographs that Charley talks about are likely of this second type.  In this way, photographs served an almost spiritual purpose, helping to connect people who were so far away.  Even today, photographs continue to function in the same way.

Further Reading:
Civil War Photography and its Impact from 1863-1993