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City Point, Va. African American Army Cook At Work (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

City Point, Va. African American Army Cook At Work (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

$17.99 USD
$17.99 USD
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City Point, Va. African American Army Cook At Work (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

A black-and-white photograph shows a standing man in a slouch hat and long coat beside an iron tripod, where two kettles hang over a fire in the middle of a Civil War camp.

Visual Elements & Composition

The palette is almost entirely monochrome: white canvas tents and pale sky take up nearly half the frame, with mid-grey ground and wagon tones making up much of the rest, and black reserved for the figure, the tripod and the fire. The cook stands at the centre of the scene, with the tripod's triangular frame and the rectangular tents giving the composition its structure. A horse-drawn wagon, a log cabin and a stretch of railroad track sit deeper in the picture, so the eye moves from the cook outward to the supply lines behind him.

Meaning & Symbolism

The scene was made at City Point, Virginia, the Union Army's primary logistical hub during the 1864–1865 Petersburg Campaign, where supplies and transport were gathered and moved to the front. African Americans, including freedmen and formerly enslaved people, performed indispensable labour in camps like this one, and cooking was among the work that kept soldiers fed, healthy and steady. The cook stands for those non-combatant contributions, which were essential to the Union war effort yet rarely recorded. The image is a tribute to the thousands of African American workers whose labour helped preserve the Union, even though the individual pictured is not identified.

Made for the Morning Cup

A mug is held close and turned in the hand, so the cook's figure and the fire wrap around the body of the cup as you drink. The scene is a quiet one, and a mug suits it: it is the everyday vessel for a slow start, and a reminder that the people who fed the army were there at the start of each day's work. It makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who values history told through ordinary labour.

Size

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Sturdy white ceramic mugs available in 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml), with a glossy finish and comfortable C-handle — microwave and dishwasher safe, and made from lead- and BPA-free materials.

These mugs are built from durable white ceramic so colors pop cleanly and prints read with strong contrast. A smooth, glossy glaze gives each mug a lively sheen and makes it easy to wipe clean after daily use.

Both sizes feature a classic C-shaped handle that feels natural in the hand; whether you sip slowly or gulp quickly, the grip is steady. Safety-wise, the ceramic is processed to be lead- and BPA-free — suitable for everyday drinking.

  • Material: white ceramic with a glossy glaze for bright, clear prints.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) to suit small and generous pours.
  • Handle: comfortable C-handle for balanced holding and easy lifting.
  • Safety: lead-free and BPA-free for peace of mind with every cup.
  • Finish: glossy surface that highlights saturated inks and smooth detail.

Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a rich hot chocolate — these mugs fit comfortably in most cabinets and cupholders. They’re also a reliable choice for office kitchens where items see frequent use.

  1. Everyday use: safe for hot liquids and daily serving; the wider 15 oz option works great for larger morning routines or extra-steamy drinks.
  2. Office-friendly: the classic profile stacks easily with similar mugs and sits securely on standard saucers and trays.
  3. Gift idea: a practical, well-finished mug is useful and simple to display or wrap for gifting.

Quick note: while the mugs are dishwasher-safe, treating them gently helps keep the print looking fresh longer (see Care tab).

These mugs are rated for microwave and dishwasher use, but small habits extend their life. Run them on the top rack of the dishwasher and avoid high-temperature commercial cycles whenever possible.

For longest-lasting print clarity: hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, avoid abrasive scouring pads, and don’t let them soak in strong detergents. When microwaving, use short intervals and avoid empty heating.

Available sizes: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml) and 15 oz (approximately 440 ml). The 11 oz is a classic coffee size; the 15 oz gives extra room for cream, froth, or larger servings.

Each mug has a standard-width mouth for easy sipping and cleaning; height and diameter vary slightly between sizes to maintain comfortable proportions and sturdy balance.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.74 4.61
Diameter (in) 3.15 3.43

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.