General Meigs’ Role in Civil War Essay

Montgomery Cunningham Meigs (1816-1892) was among the most prominent historical figures that had a dramatic influence on the outcomes of the Civil War. His role was particularly tangible during George B. McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign that involved the movement of over a hundred thousand soldiers by over four hundred ships to reach Washington. Meigs designed a stable logistical structure that helped in supplying the army with the necessary provision until the war ended. Often referred to as America’s Quartermaster, Meigs is now considered the epitome of a strategic leader that took upon the logistical challenges that the Union Army faced and refused to give up even during the most heated conflicts.

Because the Union lacked contributions from prominent and accomplished engineers or architects that could address the needs of the army, Meigs became the ‘shining light’ of many campaigns and thus became the most accomplished and renowned contributor to strengthening Washington. He put the cast-iron dome on the Capitol, oversaw the Washington Aqueduct’s construction, and designed the Pension Building (“In Civil War-era bridge’s history,” 2010). Thus, not only did he manage to develop a flawless logistical system to provide for the troops across the country but also took notice of the engineering needs of the city.

It must be mentioned that when the Civil War is discussed, the public praises generals who planned battles and achieved victory. However, Meigs should be commended not for his battlefield skills but for the talent to design and implement a flawless system of logistics that allowed the troops to stay warm, fed, and clothed. It is the ‘behind the scenes’ work that matters the most because without it, there is no point in planning battle strategies.

Reference

In Civil War-era bridge’s history, a breach that couldn’t be spanned. (2010, April 21). The Washington Post. Web.