The attached lithograph comes out of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, and I think it was either one of the 1861 or 1863 issues. I think it was entitled “Camp Johnson”. So, does it look like Union Civil War soldiers playing soccer, or some sort of ball kicking game? Notice the 2 cannons to the right, which look like they’re set up as goals. You can see the soldier in the middle with his leg lifted high, as if he just kicked the ball, and you can see the ball a short distance from him in the air.
Courtesy Friend of HOF John Maurath
