Title: The South View of the White House

Description: The White House in Lincoln’s time. The conservatory, which replaced the greenhouse, is on the left, children are playing on the lawn, and a man is sitting on the stone wall built by Jefferson. Lincoln had the house, inside and out, repainted because he felt it important that a symbol of American leadership look respectable. During the Civil War, the South Lawn was used as a parade ground, and the house, always open to the public, was constantly full of office-seekers. Because of this, Lincoln had a soldiered guard at all times protecting him and the house.

Date: 1861

Creator: Mathew Brady

Credit: National Archives