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US Civil War observation balloon
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US Civil War observation balloon
US Civil War observation balloon, 19th century artwork. The balloon, near Gaines Mill, Virginia, USA, is being inflated by gas being piped through tubes from the containers at left. This balloon was designed by Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe (1831-1913), who is standing to the right of the balloon. The balloons used hydrogen gas, and were used in several battles, including the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, on 31 May 1861. Lowe had been designing and building balloons since the 1850s, and established the Union Army Balloon Corps to perform aerial reconnaissance during the US Civil War (1861-1865). Despite some successes, problems led to the Balloon Corps being disbanded in 1863. Based on a contemporary photograph, this artwork was published in Astra Castra (Hatton Turner, London, 1865)
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Media ID 6441649
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1865 Aerial Army Astra Castra Aviation Aviator Balloonist Civil War Country Side Field Flight History Of Technology Hydrogen Gas Inflating Inventor Machine Military North American Observation Preparing Soldier Spying Surveillance Transport Transportation Union Us A Us Civil War Virginia
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork captures a pivotal moment in the history of technology and warfare - the inflation of a US Civil War observation balloon. Standing proudly to the right of the colossal contraption is Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, the brilliant mind behind its design. As gas is piped through tubes from containers at left, this hydrogen-filled marvel begins to take shape against the picturesque backdrop of Gaines Mill, Virginia. The Union Army Balloon Corps owes its existence to Lowe's visionary efforts in aerial reconnaissance during one of America's darkest periods - the Civil War. These balloons played an instrumental role in battles like Fair Oaks, providing crucial surveillance and intelligence for military strategists. Although beset by challenges that ultimately led to its disbandment in 1863, this technological marvel remains a testament to human ingenuity and determination amidst adversity. The vibrant colors and intricate details captured in this historical illustration transport us back to an era where aviation was still in its infancy. As we gaze upon this snapshot frozen in time, we are reminded not only of Lowe's pioneering spirit but also of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers who fought on both sides during this tumultuous period. This print serves as a poignant reminder of our nation's past while highlighting how far we have come since those turbulent days on American soil.
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