Joseph H. Treyz Collection of Civil War Patriotic Envelopes

Binghamton University - Binghamton University Libraries

Envelope depicting Union leaders - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

151

Dates of Original:

c. 1860 - 1870

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Historical Context

The American Civil War was fought between the years 1861 - 1865 between the Union (the North half of the country) and the Confederates (the South half of the country). The war began over the disagreements between the North and South regarding slavery. The Civil War is known for having more American deaths in a war than any other war America has been a part of.

Scope of Collection

The Joseph H. Treyz Collection contains 149 patriotic envelopes printed during the Civil War. They represent the Union cause and contain patriotic images such as the Union flag, state seals, soldiers, goddesses, depictions of Northern cities, prominent leaders and military officers, and cartoons and caricatures depicting Southern life. The majority of the envelopes include a slogan or poetry supporting the Union cause. Most of the envelopes are beige in color, with a few that are yellow, blue, or pink. The images are printed in black and white or with colors of blue, red, or a combination of red, white and blue.