A History of the Mobile District Corps of Engineers 1815-1985

Abstract

The Corps of Engineers is an American institution, and work of the Mobile District represents only one chapter in a long and distinguished history. The Corps was founded in principle when the Continental Congress authorized the positions of engineer chief and two assistants. Along with his general military responsibilities on the eve of the American Revolution, George Washington was authorized to established the first engineer corps. Because of the lack of qualified American personnel, foreign expertise was sought from among America's allies. As a result of a diplomatic accord with France, numerous French military officers offered their services to General Washington. While the use of French military was well received, negative aspects would surface later. The Corps of Engineers was organized formally in 1779. The early years were unstable; the Corps was dissolved in 1783 only to be reactivated in 1794. Parallels can be drawn between the Corps' formative years and the history of the Mobile District. After each war in the United States, Congress and the public called for a major reduction in military strength and operations during peacetime. The waxing and waning of military responsibility is reflected in the operations of the Mobile District until the Korean War. Since the 1950's military and civil responsibilities have been carried out concurrently. From its inception, the Corps of Engineers has enjoyed privileged status as an elite engineer organization. Special duties of the Corps were described in a communication from Secretary of War James McHenry in 1800. He stated the services of the Army Engineer were not limited to constructing and repairing fortifications. McHenry went on to say that military service was but one, although important, facet of the engineer profession. Corps skills extended to almost every area of defense and to civil works including building roads, canals, and bridges.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA627481

Entities

People

  • Bruce G. Harvey
  • D. G. Jeane

Organizations

  • Samford University

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  • Biomedical
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DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
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  • Engineers
  • Environmental Protection
  • Flood Control
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Recreation
  • Terrain
  • Topography

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  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.