Balloon Carriers During the Civil War

            The capabilities of the carrier balloons, a lot similar to hot air balloons in structure were a big plus to the Union Army during the Civil War. They could detect activities of Confederate Soldiers up to fifteen miles away. Also they were good for creating maps and artillery spotting. The vast land and activities was seen by the "Chief Aeronaut," who was floating on a roped balloon in the sky and serving as a spy to the Union Army as well pointing out key places to avoid and ones that are useful for setting traps. Thaddeus Lowe was a smart balloon Aeronaut who by the Union Government's consent got granted permission to build seven balloons. twelve field gas generators, and a flat top balloon barge "aircraft carrier," and together with a number of accomplished Aeronauts Lowe made the seven balloons and spread them throughout the Potomac River from October 1861 to 1862 providing Washington D.C. with security and observant from upcoming Confederate forces. Balloon carriers also were a big support to the Civil War.

  

Balloon Carriers Civil War.Photograph.n.d.First Modern War
state.Web 05 Jan.14.