PURPOSE
The Topographical Engineer
Detachment® is a non-profit educational and living history organization dedicated to the
study of, dissemination of information about and the reenactment of army engineers on the
American Frontier from 1849 to 1883.
DETACHMENTS
While engineers
were not permanently garrisoned at each of the forts, they were
assigned to division and department commanders in the West.
Their
mission was to prepare maps needed for field operations and to
collect topographical information for the Engineer Department in
Washington. Engineer detachments were frequently requested to
accompany cavalry expeditions. Their tasks included surveying
and mapping the area, locating potential military sites and
connecting roads, documenting the climate, and reporting on the
geology and vegetation of the area.
ORGANIZATION
The Topographical Engineer
Detachment was organized in 1995 and is comprised of the following impressions:
We
provide a living history for the public depicting an 1800s topographical
engineer's camp that includes examples of surveying and mapping
equipment used on the frontier. Handouts of period maps and
educational material are also provided for the public.
LOCATION
The
Topographical Engineer Detachment is headquartered in Midland, Texas
and supports many of the historic sites in Texas.
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