The Story Behind the Image:
Taken just months after the close of major Civil War campaigns, this remarkable photograph captures twenty members of the Band of the 107th U.S. Colored Infantry posed with their instruments—predominantly brass saxhorns—outside a building at Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Following the end of the war’s major fighting earlier in 1865, the regiment had been assigned to the Department of Washington, where it helped garrison and protect the defenses of the nation’s capital.

The image stands as a testament to the thousands of Black soldiers who served the Union cause—not only as infantrymen but as musicians whose bands lifted morale, marked ceremonies, and gave voice to the regiment’s pride. Photographed by William Morris Smith and held today by the Library of Congress, this picture offers a rare, dignified glimpse of these men at a pivotal moment in American history.

Why This Poster Belongs on Your Wall:
This 8×10 print is more than a photograph—it is a window into Reconstruction-era America and a tribute to the service and humanity of the U.S. Colored Troops. Ideal for history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone moved by stories of courage and citizenship, it invites reflection on a chapter of the Civil War too often overlooked.

Product Details:
– Size: 8×10 inches (standard frame size, easy to frame and display).
– Subject: Band of the 107th U.S. Colored Infantry, Fort Corcoran, Arlington, Virginia, November 1865.
– Photographer: William Morris Smith.
– Source: Library of Congress collection.
– Style: Archival reproduction of the original historic photograph.

Perfect For:
– Civil War and Reconstruction history buffs.
– Classroom, library, or study decoration.
– A meaningful gift honoring Black history and the legacy of the U.S. Colored Troops.

*Note: As a reproduction of a 19th-century photograph, slight variations in tone and texture reflect the character of the original archival image.*