Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Folks,

I was re-examining the photo "Richmond, Va. Ruins of the Exchange Bank (Main Street) with the facade nearly intact" (LC-DIG-cwpb-02885 ) through the Library of Congress' website and made an interesting discovery.

The photo was taken by T. C. Roche of E. & H.T. Anthony Company (New York) in April 1865. There is noticeable graffiti written on the bank's lower front walls and also on its pillars. Drawings include a bird with a caption bubble and two men boxing. "U.S. Grant" appears twice.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

Most prominently displayed are the names of William H. Gaylord, Addison Baker, and D. K. P___ of Company D, 19th Wisconsin Infantry. The regiment fought in Butler's Army of the James and were among the first troops to enter the city after the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign. They occupied Richmond on April 3, 1865, and were on provost duty until April 28.

The Exchange Bank was located between 11th and 12th Streets off of Main Street in the once thriving banking district of the city. These columns remained standing until the 1960s before being permanently demolished.

[ScottCross]

Re: Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

Jason,
Thank You for posting these! I'm really intrigued by the first image and am not quite sure what they were trying to represent there!

[sam H]

Re: Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

Hey! I cash and deposit all my checks at 12th and main. I didn't know that is where all that jazz was. I learn more living in this city everyday.

[ScottCross]

Re: Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

Most prominently displayed are the names of William H. Gaylord, Addison Baker, and D. K. P___ of Company D, 19th Wisconsin Infantry. The regiment fought in Butler's Army of the James and were among the first troops to enter the city after the Richmond-Petersburg Campaign. They occupied Richmond on April 3, 1865, and were on provost duty until April 28.

The Exchange Bank was located between 11th and 12th Streets off of Main Street in the once thriving banking district of the city. These columns remained standing until the 1960s before being permanently demolished.

Addison Baker enlisted in Co. D 19th Wisconsin from Saukville on March 27, 1862, reenlisted as a Corporal and MO August 9, 1865. William H. Gaylord enlisted at Oxford on March 19, 1862, promoted to Corporal and MO on April 29, 1865. There were only four men in the company who's last name started with "P", none with the initials "D. K."

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Ruins of the Exchange Bank Graffiti!

Addison Baker enlisted in Co. D 19th Wisconsin from Saukville on March 27, 1862, reenlisted as a Corporal and MO August 9, 1865. William H. Gaylord enlisted at Oxford on March 19, 1862, promoted to Corporal and MO on April 29, 1865. There were only four men in the company who's last name started with "P", none with the initials "D. K."

Cool! Thanks for looking that up, Scott. I went on a whim and guess that "A. Baker" was Addison (Company D) and not Alonzo Baker (Company K). And "D.K.P." was my interpretation of the graffito. I wish we could read more of it, darn you columns!