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Geology and Warfare: Examples of the Influence of Terrain and
Geologists on Military Operations, |
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| Geologist, Andrew Brown claimed
Rosecrans' military genius came from obtaining and using topographic
information. During the Tullahoma Campaign, Rosecrans used hi geological perspective to allow the Union forces to outflank the Confederate defensive position without giving battle. This is one of the best planned and executed achievements of the war. Brown portrayed Rosecrans as a master cartographer. While at Corinth, Rosecrans staff under his close supervision, developed an excellent set of maps of Northern Mississippi for U. S. Grant As commander of the Army of the Cumberland, Rosecrans formed a Topographical Department. Mapping was a high priority of the army. The cartographers were given every resource possible. Using pre-war State Geological Survey Maps as their base, they supplemented these with cavalry reconnaissance, civilian informers, and other sources for areas still under Confederate control. The The information was quickly incorporated in usable maps. The army carried with it "a printing press, two lithographic presses, one photographic establishment, arrangements for map-mounting and a full corps of draftsmen and assistants, (Brwon 163a, p11) One of Rosecrans officers, Captain W. C. Margadent invented a blueprint process for quick reproduction of maps in the field. |
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Return to Rosecrans, Part 4, Civil War |
(08/19/2010) |