A Short History: General Joseph Hooker, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

Art Historical Context

In the late 19th century, tobacco companies like W., Sons & Co. blended history with marketing through collectible trade cards. This petite commercial color lithograph, *A Short History: General Hooker*, from the 1888 *Histories of Generals series (N114), "Honest Long Cut Smoking Chewing Tobacco." Produced by Knapp & Company, card features a portrait of Civil War Union General Joseph Hooker, a bold commander known for his role in major battles, paired with a concise biographical sketch to captivate collectors and smokers alike. Measuring just 4 3/16 × 2 1/2 inches, this ephemera exemplifies chromolithography's vibrancy—a technique that allowed mass production of vivid, affordable color prints. These cards were distributed in tobacco packages, turning everyday purchases into a hobby that educated the public on American heroes while boosting brand loyalty. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, it highlights advertising's cultural power in post-Civil War America, where generals became icons of patriotism and commerce intertwined. A charming window into Gilded Age nostalgia!

About the Artist

Knapp & Company|W. Duke, Sons & Co. (American|American) · |1870 – |1920

American, New York|New York and Durham, N.C.