Finding aid prepared by Megan Mummey
Illustrated Civil War Envelope Collection
1850s-1860s
University of Kentucky Special Collections
Collection is arranged by subject.
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
2011MS164: [identification of item], Illustrated Civil War Envelope Collection, 1850s-1860s, University of Kentucky Special Collections.
0.23 Cubic feet
1 box
Illustrated, patriotic envelopes started to appear between 1855 and 1856 as more conflict between the Northern and Southern states developed. At first these envelopes depicted general patriotic themes such as flags but later included portraits of generals and caricatures of politicians. In the 1850s people used the envelopes for mail, but by 1861 the envelopes were considered collector's items. Stationery makers continued their production through the Civil War.
Hatcher, James Brush. Flashback: The Patriotic Envelope in Civil War Days. Collectors Weekly. Market Street Media LLC. 16 April 2009. Web. 20 December 2011.
The Illustrated Civil War Envelope Collection consists of illustrated or stamped envelopes depicting patriotic themes, portraits of Civil War heroes, and caricatures of politicians. The collection is organized into two series: Union envelopes and Individual States envelopes. The Union envelopes depict United States patriotic themes such as flags and lady liberty. Additionally, the series includes envelopes with caricatures of Jefferson Davis and Secession. The Individual States envelopes are printed to show individual Union or Confederate States, including Alabama, Minnesota, Oregon, and Maine.
The Union series, comprising the bulk of the collection, includes envelopes depicting United States patriotic themes such as flags and lady liberty. Additionally, the series contains envelopes with caricatures of Jefferson Davis and Secession.
The Individual States series contains envelopes printed to show individual Union or Confederate States, including Alabama, Minnesota, Oregon, and Maine.