Visual History Tour of the United States: The Oldest Photos taken in Each State

During the Civil War, soldiers used swords in battle even though guns were rapidly picking up prominence among the war-makers and the fighters. In close combat, soldiers would, in general, like to stick to their swords since it appeared to make the fighting simpler.

In this photo taken in 1861, Captain William F. McRorie is envisioned with his sword. Throughout the Civil War, McRorie was of the North Carolina Infantry Regiment. At that time, it was standard for captains and troopers to be photographers.