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William H. Carney holding the Stars and Stripes

The carte-de-visite photograph of William H. Carney holding the Stars and Stripes operates as a commemorative portrait. Initially denied the right to serve, Black Civil War soldiers fought gallantly on the war front while facing continued discrimination on the home front. This portrait of Carney celebrates his courage in securing and raising the American flag during battle.

Source: William H. Carney holding the Stars and Stripes, circa 1863–1864, West Virginia and Regional History Collection, West Virginia University Libraries.

Who Built America? An Open Educational Resource has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and funding from The Ford Foundation, Digital Scholar, and the City University of New York Central Office of Library Services. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this Open Educational Resource, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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