The Cincinnati lithographic publishing firm of Ehrgott, Forbriger & Co. produced a wide range of print materials around the period of the Civil War. Maps, sheet music, and portraits were among the routine materials produced by the firm. Like all publishers and lithographers, Ehrgott & Forbriger looked for opportunities to create interesting material that the public would buy.

During the Civil War there was a large amount of material designed to take advantage of the moods of anger and patriotism in the North. One common example of this initiative was the endless volume of drawings and paintings produced of battles and settings never seen by the artist who drew them.

This inspiring diagram of the Federal Government and the American Union was originated by N. Mendal Shafer, an attorney and member of a Masonic Temple. It displays the outline of the 42 states and Indian Territories as well as a Civil War scene and Liberty holding the U.S. flag riding on the back of an eagle and other patriotic elements. It appears that the lithographers translated his idea into a product that could be sold to civic organizations, perhaps schools and libraries, and the public at large as a patriotic and educational item.

With all the lines and boxes in this 1862 representation, the viewer might recognize the origins of a much larger set of lines and boxes that confuse and frustrate today's citizen.

Created/Published : J.T. Pompilly, Cincinnati Ohio, July 15, 1862

Created : Ehrgott & Forbriger & Co.

Housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

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Product #: cph3g12259