Frank Leslie was a prominent 19th-century American illustrator, publisher, and editor. He started as an illustrator for popular periodicals and established his own publishing company, “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper,” which became one of the most successful and influential newspapers of its time. Leslie was also a pioneer in the use of photographs in journalism and established a photographic studio to create original images for his newspaper. He wrote several books and plays and was an important figure in the development of American media, shaping the way news was reported and disseminated. He died in 1880, leaving a lasting legacy. “Exterior of Libby Prison” is a compelling illustration by Frank Leslie, capturing the somber facade of the notorious Confederate prison during the American Civil War. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Libby Prison housed Union prisoners of war, and its grim reputation echoed far beyond its walls. Frank Leslie, a prolific 19th-century illustrator, depicted the prison’s exterior with meticulous detail. The high, barred windows, rough-hewn stone, and iron gates evoke a sense of confinement and despair. The illustration, likely from the early to mid-1860s, serves as a visual record of the war’s impact on captured soldiers.