Framed The Fall of Petersburg April 2, 1965 by Kurz and Allison

The Fall of Petersburg, April 2, 1865 by Kurz and Allison depicts the dramatic Union breakthrough at Petersburg, Virginia, on April 2, 1865, which forced the Confederate Army to abandon the city and retreat toward Appomattox. The scene is rendered in the firm’s signature style—bright colors, crowded action, and a strong sense of patriotic heroism. Union soldiers surge forward in organized ranks, storming Confederate defenses with bayonets fixed, while cannon smoke and explosions fill the air. Confederate defenders are shown in retreat or overwhelmed, underscoring the inevitability of Union victory. Although not strictly accurate in detail, the print reflects the celebratory, almost theatrical way that Kurz and Allison sought to memorialize decisive Civil War battles for a postwar audience. This victory directly led to the evacuation of Richmond and the final surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House one week later.