Archibald Willard was born on August 22, 1836 in Bedford, Ohio. He fought in the Civil War, and he captured many of his experiences through painting. Some of his work ended up in Washington Court House in Ohio, and many were printed in newspapers and lithography.
The Spirit of ’76, also known as Yankee Doodle, is Willard’s most famous painting. He had originally planned to depict the mirthful country musicians at a fourth of July celebration. But wanting to ignite a patriotic spark in the hearts of his fellow Americans, he chose to paint the trio on the battlefield.