John Patrick Callaghan Collection
Scope and Content
The collection contains two volumes of Harper's Weekly publications from 1863 and 1864, including several Winslow Homer woodcuts and Thomas Nast cartoons. The 1863 volume covers the weeks of January 3rd through December 26th. This box also contains a folder with several news-clippings found inside the volumes. The 1864 volume covers the weeks of January 2nd through August 20th. Both volumes are missing some pages.
Dates
- Creation: 1863 - 1864
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from the John Patrick Callaghan Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Historical Information
In 1850, Harper & Brothers began publishing Harper's Monthly, an illustrated magazine, inspired by the success of similar periodicals in the United States and England. By 1857, the magazine had become Harper's Weekly, featuring national and international news, political commentary, literary contributions, and cartoons and woodcuts by artists like Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer. Its popularity and wide-spread circulation made Harper's Weekly particularly influential throughout the Civil War. The publication was careful to take a moderate stance during the war, in an effort not to isolate its Southern readers.
Following the Civil War, the publication continued its interest in politics and social issues. Leading politicians contributed articles and Harper's Weekly continued to help win presidential campaigns. In May of 1916, it merged with The Independent, which in turn merged with several other periodicals. In 1974, Harper's Weekly re-emerged as a separate publication.
Full Extent
1.3 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection contains two volumes of Harper's Weekly publications from 1863 and 1864, including several Winslow Homer woodcuts and Thomas Nast cartoons.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged chronologically.
Acquisition Information
The John Patrick Callaghan Collection was donated to Special Collections in April 2009.
Alternative Form Available
HarpWeek: The Civil War Era and Reconstruction I & II (1857-1877) database contains digitized versions of Harper's Weekly including illustrations. Virginia Tech Access Only.
The Virginia Civil War Archive is a digital collection of 100 Harper's Weekly images, as well as information on another 300 illustrations. The collection is hosted by George Mason University, and focuses on representations of Virginia in the Civil War.
General Physical Description note
2 containers; 1.3 cu. ft.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the John Patrick Callaghan Collection commenced and was completed in April 2009.
- Title
- A Guide to the John Patrick Callaghan Collection, 1863-1864
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Kira A. Dietz
- Date
- © 2009 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu