Captain George G. Meade and the United States Lake Survey
Abstract
The five Great Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario comprise one of our greatest natural wonders. Their six quadrillion gallons of water are spread over 94,500 square miles, and their connecting waterways form the world s largest inland water transportation system. From the westernmost port at Duluth, Minnesota, a ship can travel 1,160 miles to the St. Lawrence River and 2,340 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1841, the United States Lake Survey was undertaken as a hydrographic study to chart the inland seas and make them conducive to trade and development. One of the foremost commanders of this survey was Captain George Gordon Meade, an officer of the Corps of Topographical Engineers. Meade is usually widely recognized for his later role as the victor of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and as commanding general of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. This article will examine Meade s early role in the survey, both in advancing scientific research and developing the national economy and defining civil/military relationships at the beginning of the Civil War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA560277
Entities
People
- Gustav J. Person
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer School