Ambrotype of African American Woman with Flag

1860s

The woman pictured in this ambrotype is believed to be a washerwoman for Union troops quartered outside Richmond, Virginia. There is a hand-painted flag on her dress. Whether it was her choice to include this symbol of freedom, in unknown. It is espcially curious as she was denied many rights due to her gender and race. However, as a washerwoman for the Union Army, one was required to be approved by the quartermaster with a letter of good character. The importance of a clean uniform was such that a soldier's pay might be docked if the washerwomen was not paid. Additioanlly, she would have had to supply her own pots, soaps, and other tools for her trade, which meant that she was also something of a business woman.