The 1860s in the United States was a time of turmoil and change. The first half of the decade was dominated by the American Civil War, with the later half seeing the country pull itself out from the damage during the Reconstruction.
Life of the U.S. in the 1860s
It was also an era of migration, with Lincoln’s 1862 Homestead Act encouraging people to move West with the promise of 160 acres of free land.
Take a look at these rare and amazing photos from Ronald S. Coddington to see what life of the U.S. looked life in the 1860s.
A clean-shaven gent sits upright upon a light four-wheeled buggy, hid hands firmly grasp the reins attached to two horses
A bearded man wearing shirtsleeves and a derby stands beside a male horse, Springfield, Massachusetts
A beardless man attired in frock coat and top hat sits astride his white mare in front of an auction house and men’s store
A child dressed in ruffled shirt, cape and fur hat sits on a horse in the front yard of a home adorned with four stately columns, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
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