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Signal Corps In Civil War Telegraphed by Sight and Sound
The Signal Service of the United States, led by Major Myer, revealed a sight and sound signaling system capable of conveying orders over distances from one to fifteen miles. Signals used cannon fire, flags, lanterns, rockets, and forage caps with a sixteen pound equipment. A cipher using emotional cues and time intervals underpinned the messages. The Senate discussed creating a signal officer rank in 1871 and the Army adopted a signal corps after much debate, while Myer refined the cipher and weather reporting before passing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Myer
United States Army
Senate
House
Crittenden
Wilson
Jesse Davis
Heer
Hene
Mallory
Davis
Esprit de Corps
Army
Signal Corps
Floyd
New Mexico
Washington
Red Hill
George Tows
Perley Poore