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The White House South Lawn During the Civil War

People sit on a low wall and gather on the White House’s South Lawn in this Civil War-era photograph.

Posted Updated 1 min read

Can you even believe this photo. This dude is just sitting on what appears to be a low stone wall on the south side of the White House. This would be E St. today and if you even came close to the fence today, you’re going to have an unpleasant experience with the Secret Service.

Let’s not ignore the two women and other folks on the South Lawn of the White House. That’s clearly not happening today without either an official event on the lawn, or an illegal and stupid act by people to get on the grounds.

The White House during the Civil War (National Archives)

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