2-832-334 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

A photograph of 59 members of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry in uniform. The enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation by US President Abraham Lincoln on 1 January 1863 opened the way for the enlistment of free men of colour and newly liberated slaves to fight for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The image features two (2) rows of African-American soldiers, with the back row of men standing and the front row of men either kneeling or lounging. The soldiers stand outside with a row of trees in the background. The image is on photo paper and has been adhered to a larger backing. The image has discoloration throughout, especially on the back. There are no inscriptions, front or back.