George+Barnard

One of the most celebrated American photographers of all time, George Barnard is most famous for his photographs taken at pivotal battles such as Harper’s Ferry and Bull Run directly following the outbreak of the Civil War. After opening a daguerreotype studio in Oswego, NY, Barnard became very well known before moving to Syracuse where he started using the wet-plate process. Years later, he joined New York photographer Edward Anthony’s business as a stereoscopic photographer. In 1863, Mr. Barnard was hired as the official photographer for the Army of the Cumberland’s Military Division located in Mississippi. He was responsible for documenting photos of maps, weapons etc. as well as specific portraits of those involved in the war. After being sent to Atlanta in 1864, he followed Sherman’s troops to Savannah, Georgia. A year later, he traveled north to South Carolina to capture the tormented land, which had endured years of gruesome warfare. In 1866, he published a collection of photos titled “//Photographic Views of the Sherman Campaign//”. [] Above: One of the most famous photographs in history, depicting the ruins of Altanta after an attack []
 * __George Barnard Photography__**:

“Burning Mills" by George Barnard

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All of Barnard's photographs (above) are hugely important to American culture because they allow the viewer to feel emotions that cannot be described in words. The true horror and devastation of war cannot be translated through writing nor word of mouth. A visual component is necessary in order to properly encapsulate the whole spectrum of emotions. In the end, it is clear that wartime photography allows the viewer to revisit war situations, reminding the American people to take the necessary precautions to avoid war at all costs.