Company A, Corps of Engineers in the Mexican War.
Abstract
Company A, Corps of Engineers, is the first permanent regular engineer company in the U.S. Army. Congress authorized the company on 15 May 1846, two days after declaring war on Mexico. The company organized at West Point, New York, deployed to Mexico and participated in both General Zachary Taylor's northern campaign and in General Winfield Scott's campaign from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. After the war, in 1848, Company A returned to West Point and began instructing cadets in the practical application of military engineering. The three lieutenants that led the company through the Mexican War all later became general officers in the Civil War: Gustavus W. Smith, George B. McClellan and John Gray Foster. This thesis investigates the role Company A played in the Mexican War. It presents both a historical accounting of the company's activities in the war and an analysis of the tactical contribution that Company A made to the U.S. Army's war effort. The contribution of Company A to the U.S. Army in the Mexican War was significant. General Scott frequently cited his engineers as key to his successes. Other generals relied on engineer officers to provide them with detailed reconnaissance, recommendations on routes of advance and leadership on the battlefield. The engineers orchestrated the siege of Vera Cruz, repaired roads and trails throughout the theater, built bridges, and fought as infantry in close combat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300189
Entities
People
- Stephen R. Riese
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College