An outstanding carte de visite capturing the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon and Hospital, a landmark Civil War institution located at the foot of Washington Street in Philadelphia. Photographed by H.C. Phillips, this bustling site played a pivotal role in the Union war effort, offering weary and wounded soldiers meals, medical treatment, and lodging as they passed through the city by rail or river.

The image shows a detailed street view of the saloon and adjacent hospital buildings, including a prominent eagle sculpture mounted atop the roof and clear signage reading “Union Volunteer Hospital” and “Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon.” Groups of soldiers and civilians gather outside, some posing and others captured in motion—creating ghostly blurs that speak to the long exposure time and the constant activity around the facility.

The back of the card is printed with a remarkable period description that outlines the mission and achievements of the saloon. According to the text, the institution served over 750,000 meals and treated more than 10,000 sick and wounded men. It also housed up to 40,000 soldiers for overnight stays and helped thousands of refugees and freedmen find work. This CDV isn’t just an image—it’s a tangible artifact from one of the earliest and most impactful wartime relief efforts in American history.