NORTHERN VIRGINIA HERITAGE: A JOURNAL OF LOCAL HISTORY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91-00587R000100190005-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 24, 2011
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: February 1, 1985
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

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J)ortljern Virginia
Jt)erttage
A Journal of Local History
Vol. VII, No. I February 1985
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Arlington and Fairfax Counties:
Land of Many Reconnaissance Firsts
Dian A. Brim iorri
with the onset of the Civil War, Confederate and Federal
Forces both sought new devices that might effect speedy vic-
tory. New weapons were under development continually,
while others were being adapted to a new style of strategic and
tactical warfare. President Lincoln was especially receptive to
new devices which showed promise of making the conflict
short and decisive. Professor Joseph Henry, Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution, sought to interest the President in
large hydrogen filled balloons - large enough to take men
aloft to observe enemy movements and terrain.
Swept along by patriotic ferver, a number of balloonists
solunteered their services to the Union .Army. Among them
were john Allen, John Wise, and John La Mountain. The
most flamboyant, however, was Thaddeus Sobieski Coulain-
court Lowe, a 29-year old Ohio "aeronaut," who caught the
eye of Professor Henry. Lowe was invited to Washington from
Cincinnati and granted an audience with President Lincoln on
.little 11, 1861. While the President, Secretary of War Simon
Cameron and Professor Henry enthusiastically endorsed the
idea, the proposed experimentation with balloon recon-
naissance did not receive the support of the venerable General
Winfield Scott, Commander of the Union Army.'
In mid-June, with Professor Henry looking on encouraging-
Iv, Lowe made a number of ascents from the Smithsonian
grounds. On June 18, Lowe took his balloon and wicker
basket to what is today the apex of the Federal Triangle, started
up his portable generators and made an ascent. Taking along a
telegrapher and equipment loaned by the American Telegraph
Company, the balloon was in direct communication by elec-
trical line with the War Department. When the balloon had at-
tained its highest altitude, Lowe ordered the following dispatch
transmitted to the President of the United States:
"This point of observation commands an area nearly fif-
ty miles in diameter. The city, with its girdle of encamp-
ments, presents a superb scene. I take great pleasure in
sending you this first dispatch ever telegraphed from an
aerial station, and in acknowledging indebtedness to
your encouragement, for the opportunity of demon-
strating the availability of the science of aeronautics in
the military service of the country. Yours respectfully,
T.S.C. Lowe"2
Six days later, on June 24, Professor Lowe set out with his
balloon to reconnoiter the buildup of Confederate forces in
Fairfax County. From Bailey's Cross Roads he headed in the
direction of Falls Church. Informed that he might encounter
Confederate pickets at Falls Church, he stopped at Taylor's
Tavern (now Koons Ford Agency) at Seven Corners at about
10 a.m. He attempted an ascent at noon but the wind velocity
was too strong. The wind had died down by 6 p.m., and Lowe
ascended to an altitude of about 500 feet and looked down the
road (now Lee Highway) towards Fairfax. He reported that,
although no Rebel forces were seen in the immediate area, a
huge cloud of dust coming from the direction of the Fairfax
Courthouse (headquarters of the main Confederate Cavalry
Force) could have been caused by the maneuvering of "a con-
siderable body of enemy cavalry." He made another ascent at
10 p.m. and reported that no enemy evening camp activity
could be seen.3 Lowe made a number of ascents desired by
General McDowell at Falls Church before returning to
Washington on June 25.'
In the early morning hours of July 21, Washington ladies
hurriedly dressed in the latest fashions; picnic lunches were
packed; and the finest carriages and horses were readied by the
livery stables. All Washington society seemed en route to the
Virginia countryside to see the Army of the Potomac deliver a
Lowe's early balloon ascensions impressed government officials enough to win
permission to accompany the Federal Armv as an airborne observer. In this
photo ground crews play out handling lines during the balloon's ascent. ' a-
tional Archives.
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I mon triop% a{/late an observation
!alh vwn to tlrr,lirld using I,,o o/jthe
Portdh/r i drnee'n hire eeneratort lei-
witted in Professor Lowe. 77r e pro-
Moor is believed to be the man at
right ee iih his hand raised near the
halloon.Nat ional .-t rc'hi t es.
crushing blow to the Confederate forces massed in the
Manassas-Centreville area. The Union Army had detailed
balloonist John Wise of Pennsylvania to provide aerial obser-
vations for General Irvin McDowell, Commander of the Army
of the Potomac. The balloon had been filled with hydrogen in
Washington without sufficient consideration of the difficulty
of transporting an inflated balloon through heavily wooded
country. On its way to the battlefield, Wise's balloon became
entangled in the upper branches of trees along Fairfax Road
and the bag was torn.` It was a most unfortunate, indeed
calamitous reconnaissance "abort." That afternoon the
Federal forces clashed with the Confederates near a stream
called Bull Run and what was to have been a stunning Federal
triumph turned into an inglorious rout of the Union forces.
The nation was awakened to the reality that the struggle was
going to be of prolonged duration.
When Lincoln received the unwelcome news that the Union
Army no longer comprised an organized fighting force, he
convened an extraordinary meeting of his cabinet.
Washington appeared defenseless and the cabinet discussion
centered on emergency measures to be taken because the
Southern forces surely would follow up their victory at Bull
Run. However, Confederate generals Pierre Beauregard and
Joseph Johnston, in a meeting with Jefferson Davis the next
day, concluded they would not mount an offensive against
Washington but, rather, celebrate the victory and rest.
Major General George P. McClellan, who succeeded
McDowell as Commander of the Army of the Potomac, en-
dorsed a proposal to construct a massive defensive system con-
sisting of "48 forts, lunettes, redoubts, and batteries mounting
three hundred guns" situated on strategic hills encircling the
city to guard all approaches to the capital.
Throughout the summer of 1861, Washington was rife with
rumors that the victorious Confederate forces were preparing
an attack. On the morning of July 24, Lowe made an ascent at
Ft. Corcoran to investigate the purported march.6 He correctly
reported that no Rebel forces were threatening Washington.
Later that afternoon, on an ascent to check the Confederate
bivouacs at Manassas and Centreville, Lowe asked that the
tethering cables be released so that he could gain additional
altitude for a better view of Fairfax and beyond. A quirk cur-
rent caught his balloon and carried him toward Alexandria. He
then had the dreaded experience that all reconnaissance pilots
fear - being fired on by friendly troops. Federal troops,
thinking Lowe's was a Rebel balloon, opened fire. Lowe
quickly released ballast and was carried to a landing a few miles
behind enemy lines. He was later rescued by troops from the
31st New York Infantry. When he reached Washington, he did
what all recon pilots do when fired upon. Lowe wrote a stinging
memo to his superiors in the War Department emphatically
stating that the Confederates had no balloons similar to his and
demanded that all Union commanders be so informed.'
By August, Confederate forces began to show some offen-
sive maneuvering and slow forward movement. Strategic
heights were occupied in an arc extending from Bailey's Cross
Roads, past Seven Corners, Falls Church, Arlington,
Lewinsville and McLean to Chain Bridge. Confederate activity
could be seen at the following locations:
Munson's Hill, located between Seven Corners and
Bailey's Cross Roads (now Apex Circle Road off Mun-
son Hill Road), afforded a commanding view in all
directions. It was occupied by a force of Virginia cavalry
under the command of Col. J.E.B. Stuart. A battery of
artillery was also positioned there. The stars and bars
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from the donee of the Capitol."
Upton's Hill, located off Wilson Boulevard (now the site
of the Willston Water Tower), was manned by infantry
troops and a signal unit.'
Taylor's Hill, located at Seven Corners, was a head-
quarters for Confederate infantry troops billeted in and
around Taylor's Tavern (now Koon's Ford). Troops
front Taylor's Hill also occupied Fort Buffalo (now the
location of three medical buildings at Seven Corners). "'
Fall. Church, an important crossroads, was occupied by
a regiment of Confederate Infantry. Troops were
billeted near the Star Tavern, in the vicinity of the
Leesburg-Arlington Turnpike (now Broad Street near
the present location of the Falls Church Post Office)."
General James Longstreet's headquarters was the
Lawton House (behind the State Theater on Lawton
Street).It is still standing, and once had been the head-
quarters of Union General Irvin McDowell.
Both the Falls Church and the Columbia Baptist Church
(then located in ttie 100 block of East Broad Street) were
used as hospitals.
Confederate snipers were positioned on Miner's Hill
(\\'illiamshurg Boulevard and North Powhatan Street in
Arlington) and Stuart's cavalry pickets were positioned
at 1 e\v ins,.ille and McLean. Additional Confederate
units were positioned in Vienna, Flint Hill and on Mason
Hill.
Lowe made a number of ascents at Arlington Heights (now
Dort Myer) before shifting his base of operations to Fort Cor-
coran (now Wilson Boulevard at Woodrow Wilson School), a
bastioned earthworks commanding the approaches to Aque-
duct Br idec (now Key Bridge). To get a better view of the Con-
federate activity on Munson's Hill, Lowe moved two and a
half miles nearer and established his base at Ball's Cross Roads
(now the intersection of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard -
Hecht's Parkington Parking Lot)." There were numerous
Confederate references to "that infernal balloon" interfering
\with their military operations. Confederate forces made
several attempts to infiltrate sharpshooters to fire on the
balloon, but all were unsuccesful.
lutlur's Tavern e,m it fcunous Falls
( hurch swaterinl' hole. The location is
noew occupied hw the A'oon.1 ford
4 ienct at Seven Corners. Loewe con-
ducted reconmaxsunce missions here
prior to the Battle of Bull Run to
ohserweConfederate cawulre forces at
the finrfa.r Courthouse. This photo-
graph hr Matthew Bradt shows
('pion ruwo/rr loft (5 cx c?uh1"R the
toreen and surroundm)v area. Lihrar
to/ Con c recs.
its aerial maiden mission at Ball's Cross Roads and this time
received an unprecedented reception. The Confederate Forces
on Munson Hill had a battery of rifled cannons that had been
used with amazing accuracy to fire on Federal cavalry forces
reconnoitering the Bailey's Cross Roads area. That afternoon,
an infuriated and frustrated Lt. Thomas Rosser, commander
of a section of Stuart's celebrated New Orleans Washington
Artillery, positioned a rifled piece, aimed down the barrel and
fired at the "Union." The shot missed and the Federals quickly
winched the "Union" down. Although the Confederates fail-
ed, another milestone had been established - the first use of
anti-aircraft artillery fire."
On one of his ascents at Ball's Cross Roads, Lowe reported
the following:
"During my observations this evening, I noticed a
pretty heavy picket force on Upton's Hill and several
camp smokes at Taylor's Corners. On the west slope of
Munson's Hill there appeared to be a full regiment with a
set of colors, their bayonets glistening in the sun as if on
parade. I could see nothing of the horses you [General
Porter] spoke of, but as soon as I can get the balloon in-
flated again, 1 will go nearer and examine the woods.'
The Confederate leaders watched with envious eyes as the
Federal balloons made their observations, and bemoaned the
fact that they did not possess such a capability. While General
Beauregard attempted unsuccessfully to obtain a balloon from
the authorities in Richmond, he did obtain one from a private
source. On September 4, during its initial ascent on Munson's
Hill, the balloon's bag was torn beyond repair. The Con-
federate commanders, denied the technological luxuries of the
North, would not have another balloon until the Battle for
Richmond when a call went out to patriotic ladies who con-
tributed their silk dresses and underclothing to make what
Gen. Longstreet would describe as "a great patchwork ship of
many varied hues." "'
It was generally agreed that Lowe was a competent aerial
observer, but military commanders always were concerned
that troop movements could escape the detection of an un-
.- -#'1 -- t`` -vs;.1~s a `+_'=~--o~rii~: Wit.:
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trained observer. Large numbers of men, no matter how
stealthily they moved, left marks on the earth's surface.
Careful observations could reveal whether mounted or un-
mounted troops had moved, and in what numbers and to what
locations. Trained observers, armed with powerful telescopes,
it was argued, would not depend on guesswork but rather on
experience and deductive skills. To satisfy the commanders'
misgivings, Lowe began taking trained military observers aloft
%%ith him. Thus began the military aerial observer program.
The new science of reconnaissance also caught the attention
of the Union military hierarchy. On September 5, 1861,
Generals Irvin McDowell and Fitz-John Porter went aloft
together to obtain first-hand knowledge of the enemy. On
September 7, General McClellan made several ascents to
observe enemy activity at Munson's Hill." Other Generals
who ascended during this period included John H. Martindale,
V.F. Smith and Samuel Heintzelman.
The maps of Fairfax County, for that matter of most
Virginia, were terribly out of date and the terrain detail for
/~^v=yam,
military operations left much to be desired. On June 24, 1861,
Brigadier General Daniel Tyler, then commanding a brigade at
Falls Church, sent up Major Leyard Colburn of the 2nd Con-
necticut Infantry with Lowe to make a map of a portion of the
county.18 It was the first map to be made from space. Unfor-
tunately, a copy of it cannot be found. It was so accurate that
Virginians familiar with the county could immediately
recognize the roads, terrain, and houses. On the same day
General Tyler telegraphed General McDowell:
"I have not been much of a convert to ballooning in
military operations, but the last ascent made by Major
Colburn of the 2nd Connecticut Volunteers this p.m.
and the map of the country, rough as it is, which he made
during the ascent convince me that a balloon may at
times greatly assist military operations." 19
Major Colburn's map also elicited the praises of Gen.
Tyler's superiors and it was subsequently decided by the
Topographical Engineers that maps of all areas occupied by
Confederate forces should be made from the air. Another
dimension to aerial reconnaissance was established - the
making of up-to-date maps from using the latest recon-
naissance became a practice that continues to this day.
There is no available evidence, either in Lowe's papers, in
the Department of Defense archives, or in the papers of Union
military leaders to show that Lowe took any aerial photos from
his balloons. There are references, however, that on one occa-
sion when Lowe took Matthew Brady aloft, the balloon was
too unsteady for Brady to make a time exposure. It is known
that Brady took a number of pictures in the Falls Church and
Seven Corners areas when Lowe was also in the area.
One of the more interesting encounters during this period
occurred on September I l when a Union reconnaissance party
of about 2,000 men and four guns started out from Chain
Bridge and proceeded past McLean to Lewinsville. Col. J.E.B.
Stuart's pickets promptly reported the presence of the enemy.
Stuart quickly moved with a far superior force of infantry, ar-
tillery, and a troop of cavalry to cut off the Federal force. The
Confederate forces moved up the road (now Great Falls Street)
from Falls urct I Lewinsville and, after a brief skirmish,
~. erk 9n a party quickly withdrew to the pro-
its the Potomac. The skirmish was
dera nps as a brilliant victory.
A t the present intersection of Broad Street and Lee High way in Falls Church, Lowe conducted a number of reconnaissance missions. Here the first snip Was made from
%pace. and later Confederate forces billeted a block awa.v were fired upon h r Union artiller v directed aloft by Lo ire. This photograph h v Matthew Bradt, shows the Col-
umhca Baptist Church and the Falls Church can be seen in the background. Library of Congress.
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Often an event occurs that thoroughly perplexes the aerial
observer. Such was the case on September 13, when Lowe
ascended to observe the Confederate forces following the
Union defeat at Lewinsville. He saw a large fire on Munson's
Hill and in other areas where Confederate troops were billeted.
Men could he seen in the flickering light and there appeared to
he much activity and celebrating. \Vhat Lowe didn't knoss was
that Col. I. E.13. Stuart had received the news of his promotion
to IIt icadier General, and his troops were celebrating. On Sep-
tember 24, with Stuart and his men standing at attention, wear-
ing dapper uniforms with scarlet lined capes and flamboyantly
plumed hats, Stuart formally received his promotion.21'
To better observe the Confederate Forces at Falls Church,
Losve moved his operations back to Fort Corcoran. On Sep-
tember 24, Lowe ascended and by telegraph wire directed
Union artillery fire onto unsuspecting Confederate troops at
Falls Church. It was the first aerial spotting of artillery fire.
The commander of the artillery battery, pleased with the
results, sent Lowe the following message:
"The signals from the balloon have enabled my gun-
ners to hit ssith a fine degree of accuracy an unseen and
dispersed target area. This demonstration Will resolu-
tionire the art of gunners.
This major milestone in proving the value of aerial recon-
naissance prompted the Secretary of War on September 25 to
authorize Lowe to build four additional balloons, together
With the necessary inflation equipment. By the end of
Nos ember, Lowe had a fleet of five balloons (Eagle, Constitu-
tinti, Washington, Intrepid and Union).
On September 28, Lowe observed a large number of camp-
f ire,, in the Annandale area, marking the positions of Brigadier
Richard S. Ewell's brigade that was ordered to the Annandale
area on September 11.
While the Confederates were unsuccessful in musterine ef-
fective direct action against balloon reconnaissance, they did
embark on a series of camouflage, concealment, and deceptive
practices that proved highly effective in confusing the Federals
as to the strength of Confederate Forces and their defenses.
Longstreet recalled that "we collected a number of old wagon
wheels and mounted on them stove-pipes of different calibre,
till we had formidable-looking batteries, some large enough of
calibre to threaten Alexandria, and even the National Capital
and Executive Mansion."2' Most of these "Quaker" guns
were being reported by the balloonists as real. In addition,
Most Back Issues Available
Unfortunately, we are out of the first two issues of
Northern Virginia Heritage (Feb. and June, 1979) and
the last issue (June, 1984). All other issues are available.
The price of all back issues is $3 per copy. Those desiring
back copies should indicate issue and quantity, and send
their checks in the proper amount to Northern Virginia
Heritage, George Mason University, History Depart-
ment, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
Thaddeto Sobieski Coulaincourt Lowe, "aeronaut" and head of the Balloon
Corn for the Onion Jorces during i/ie Civil If ar. National Archives.
Geri. Beauregard ordered the camouflaging of supply depots
and began locating camps in the Centreville area near wooded
areas to escape the observation of the balloonist. Old unoc-
cupied tents were pitched in other areas, prompting them to be
reported and counted as active troop concentrations. At even-
tide, balloonists would ascend and observe the camp and
smoke where Confederate forces were billeted and preparing
their evening meals. To deny the Union accurate information
of this kind, hundreds of "false" fires were started and kept
burning in secluded woods long into the night. Large bonfires
were also started and rockets set off at various locations to
keep the Northern forces in a constant state of excitement. The
Union forces knew that each Confederate regiment had a mu-
sical band, so the Confederates would send a single band to
different areas during the night giving the impression that
more than one regiment was billeted in the area.
In the fall of 1861, Confederate troops began to withdraw to
winter quarters. By October 19, most of the troops billeted in
the Bailey's Cross Roads, Arlington, Falls Church, and Lew-
insville areas had departed for either the Fairfax Courthouse or
the Centreville area where they started to construct huts,
strengthen defensive positions and gather firewood.
After the Confederate forces had departed, Union forces
occupied their abandoned positions. Gen. McClellan decided
to take advantage of the Confederate withdrawal and stage an
elaborate celebration. On November 20, 1861, President Lin-
coln, his cabinet, and foreign dignitaries met Gen. McClellan
at Munson's Hill and proceeded to a reviewing stand which
had been erected on a hill overlooking Bailey's Cross Roads.
There they witnessed a spectacular grand review of the Union
army that was arrayed for miles along Columbia Pike. On
command from Gen. McClellan, about 60,000 men consisting
of 50 infantry regiments, 7 regiments of cavalry, and 20 bat-
teries of artillery passed in review. Among the 70,000 spec-
tators was a visitor from Boston, Julia Ward Howe. She
watched the brilliantly uniformed soldiers with their silk flags
and guidons fluttering in the breeze. Stirred by the music
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emanating from fifty regimental bands, the tramping feet, and
the attendant pomp and ceremony, she was deeply moved.
Later that night at the Willard Hotel, she awoke and composed
the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the most stir-
ring anthem of the Civil War.
The idea of supporting land operations by conducting
aeronautic operations from barges along the rivers, and at sea
to observe naval activities, afforded a number of advantages in
the launching and unencumbered movement of the balloons.
John La Mountain inflated one of his balloons and placed it
aboard the armed transport barge Fanny to observe Con-
federate activity in the Hampton area on August 1, 1861.=' But
it was Professor Lowe who conceived and designed the first
aircraft carrier. The Navy had a large coal barge at the
Washington Navy Yard and Lowe directed a complete over-
haul of the vessel. A flat top was constructed over the entire
deck to provide a broad uncluttered area to launch balloons.
The gas generating equipment was placed in the bow and there
was ample space below deck for the storage of the iron fillings,
acid and other equipment used in launchings. Quarters for the
aeronaut were also situated below deck. The barge was re-
named the USS George !Washington Parke Custis and, on
November 12, began its maiden voyage down the Potomac to
launch balloons in support of Gen. Hooker's division at
Budd's Ferry (now Quantico).24 The barge later played a role in
the Peninsular Campaign.
Thadrleu.s Lo we eon,/octet/ aerial observations of Confederate positions near
Bur/d'. l errv (Quantiro) from the Balloon-Boat George Washington Parke
u.tl.. Tho aseeruiun from a spe'e'efieally designed pplatform paved the cvav for
(l~e,\inr'.pirC.