A Thrilling Incident during Voting, 18th Ward, Philadelphia, Oct 11, 1864

THF610500 / A Thrilling Incident during Voting, 18th Ward, Philadelphia, Oct 11, 1864

THF610501 / A Thrilling Incident during Voting, 18th Ward, Philadelphia, Oct 11, 1864 / Back

Artifact Overview

Voting in the 19th century was not a secret process, and intimidation was a common tactic on all sides. Because ballots were preprinted and listed only candidates from a single party, everyone knew who you voted for. This could result in "thrilling" disagreements at polling places, such as this scene from an 1864 election in Philadelphia.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Date Made

1864

Creators

Magee, John L., b. approximately 1820

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Collection Title

Print Collection

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

26.93.30

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography

Dimensions

Height: 17.5 in
Width: 12.875 in

Keywords	United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Prints (Visual works) Lithographs Copperhead movement Presidential elections Voters Voting American Civil War, 1861-1865

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Set

Voting in America

21 Artifacts

From the founding of the nation, there has never been a common American voting experience. Methods vary across states, counties, and municipalities, reflecting differing and ever-evolving ideas about how to vote -- and who should participate. Because changes that address problems with voting systems invariably create new ones, the story of voting in America is one of constant reform.