30+ Rare and Fascinating Photos from the American Civil War

Richmond, Virginia, faced near obliteration as the Confederate government, in a bid to curb chaos, inadvertently heightened it by pouring liquor into the streets. This act, meant to prevent disorder, spurred locals into a frenzy, igniting chaos.

Following the bombardment that set Richmond’s center on fire, its citizens turned to looting. The Union Army, upon arrival, faced the immediate task of extinguishing fires and mitigating the extensive damage inflicted upon the city during its time of turmoil.