"The First Vote" Illustration, November 16, 1867 | State Historical Society of Iowa

This iconic drawing done by A.R. Waud and published in Harper’s Weekly, shows African American men, in dress indicative of their professions, in a queue waiting their turn to vote. An American flag hangs as a ceiling over the mens’ heads. A white election official looks on as the first man drops his vote into the container.

Courtesy of Library of Congress, Waud, Alfred R., "The first vote," Harper's Weekly, 16 November 1867

Description

This illustration shows African-American men in outfits indicative of their professions standing in a line waiting for their turn to vote. The text belong the image reads, "The First Vote." This print was published in Harper's Weekly on November 16, 1867.

Source-Dependent Questions

Look closely at the clothing of each man in the line. Why is each man dressed differently? What does their clothing represent?
This image illustrates the first election in Virginia in which African Americans could participate in order to elect delegates to help rewrite that state's constitution. Why would it be important for African Americans to vote in this election?
What might be the drawbacks of having to vote out in the open where everyone can see who you voted for?

Citation Information

Waud, Alfred R., "The first vote," Harper's Weekly, 16 November 1867. Courtesy of Library of Congress