George Barnard was an American photographer known for his work during the American Civil War. He was born in 1819 and became famous for capturing the realities of war through his powerful images. His photographs documented the lives of soldiers and the impact of the conflict on the landscape. In addition to his war photography, Barnard also created images of the aftermath of the war, including the destruction in cities like Atlanta. His work contributed to the understanding of the Civil War's effects on American society and remains an important part of photographic history.