Two Very Different Base Maps, Army Engineers Department, August-November 1864
Two base maps (NAID: 221160858) from the National Archives show how Federal topographers of the Engineers Department, Army of the Potomac, expanded their coverage and understanding of the terrain south and west of Petersburg. Version one is dated August 13, 1864. Version two, undated, but drawn sometime after the military railroad was completed to Weldon Railroad, sometime in late-October early-November, and contains more information on local roads and residents. No fortifications are shown on these maps.The cartographers worked by accretion -- gradual additions and corrections to these base maps, this one numbered 20. According to the Report of G. G. Moore, General Superintendent of the Military Railroads of Virginia, July 1, 1865. (O.R. series 3, vol. 5: 71): "Orders were received on October 22 to proceed with the extension of the City Point and Army Line from General Warren's headquarters at the Yellow House to the Peebles house, a distance of two miles and a quarter. The work on this extension (now called the Patrick Branch) did not commence until November 2 on account of an engagement that took place near where the proposed line was to run."
LC lva00194 Version 1. "Vicinity of Petersburg, Army of the Potomac. Engineer Dept., Army of the Potomac, N. Michler, dated August 13, 1864."
LC lva00194 Version 2. "Vicinity of Petersburg, Army of the Potomac. Engineer Dept., Army of the Potomac." Undated, likely mid-late Oct. 1864. Same coverage as version 1 but considerably more information. Zoomable version below.
Comparing the same general area of both maps, it is clear that extensive ground survey had been conducted, reulting in major alterations in roads, streams, locations of features, names of residents, etc.
See also National Archives NAID: 221160858 for other variants.
Page updated May 15, 2024 DWL
