Engineering, Building, and Architecture

• 

  Plate 25. Pontoon Bridge, Across the Potomac at Berlin

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  Berlin is a quiet little village on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, twelve miles from Point of Rocks. A fine bridge connected it with the Virginia shore until June, 1861, when the Confederates sacrificed it to the spirit of destruction that ruined Harper's Ferry and laid waste the pleasant places of the border. Its inhabitants, numbering about five hundred, are dependent principally for support upon the business of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which passes the place, and during the war, from the interruption of navigation necessarily suffered much hardship. The bivouac of the Army of the Potomac in its vicinity in 1862 first introduced its name to the country, and it has fallen again into the partial oblivion that has hidden much more pretentious villages. Here McClellan had his headquarters after the battle of Antietam, and the troops crossed into Virginia, marching down through London to Rectortown and Warrenton, and thence to Fredericksburg.

  The Photograph only shows the village and a small portion of the Maryland shore, from which no adequate impression can be formed of the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The river at this point is obstructed by scattered rocks, and with the wooded hills that slope precipitously to the water's edge, forms one of the most charming pictures of the Potomac. Game and fish abound, many objects of interest are close at hand, and the summer fugitive from the ills of city life finds here a pleasant halting place in his journeyings for recreation.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1862-11

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.25

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.25

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Model of a Cement Mixer

  Description

  This model was built for its inventors (two brothers from Montana) by a Chicago firm, run by J. T. H. Paterson, Proprietor. Raw materials were loaded into one side and mixed concrete unloaded on the other.

  Regal Model and Tool Works (122 S. Clarke Street, Chicago, Illinois, J. T. H. Paterson, Proprietor) built this model for two inventors, who were brothers from Montana. This cement mixer was patented.

  Date made

  ca 1910

  ID Number

  MC.316501

  catalog number

  316501

  accession number

  224662

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Tinker Toys

  Date made

  1972

  ID Number

  1983.0250.02

  accession number

  1983.0250

  catalog number

  1983.0250.02

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Lamb’s Patent Model of a Rotary Steam Engine – ca 1865

  Description

  This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for Patent Number 51,389 issued to George A. Lamb of Washington, DC on December 5, 1865. Mr. Lamb’s patent was for a rotary steam engine. The engine design is similar to that of a water wheel. A jet of pressurized steam applied force to the faces of the buckets mounted on the circumference of the wheel. The steam was fed via a tube to a cap mounted at the top of the wheel. Mr. Lamb claimed that his design had the advantage of sealing the gaps between this cap and the buckets on the wheel. The inside of the cap had grooves that fit around the rim of the wheel. Thin strips of flexible metal within the grooves maintained contact with the edge of the wheel and provided a steam seal.

  Mr. Lamb and other inventors such as Samuel Harris were active around the same time producing similar designs they described as rotary steam engines. They could be considered early version of the impulse type of steam turbine. Such a turbine was first suggested ca 1629 by Giovanni Branca, an Italian chemist. The invention in 1884 of modern steam turbines is attributed to Sir Charles Parsons.

  The model as shown in the image illustrates all of the key elements of the patent. It is constructed of wood and brass and mounted on a wooden base. Diagrams showing the complete design can be found in the patent document online (www.USPTO.gov).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1865

  patent date

  1865-12-05

  inventor

  Lamb, George A.

  ID Number

  ER.309202

  accession number

  89797

  patent number

  51,389

  catalog number

  309202

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Sturtevant’s Patent Model of a Compound Air-Heater and Steam-Condenser – ca 1870

  Description

  This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for Patent Number 100,242 issued to B.F. Sturtevant of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts on February 22, 1870. The patent was for an improvement in compound air-heaters and steam-condensers.

  The primary elements of the patent were a centrifugal fan, a heat exchanger case and associated ductwork. The fan (based on a previous patent by Mr. Sturtevant) drew air through the heat exchanger and was intended to exhaust the heated air into distribution ductwork. The heat exchanger consisted of an inner cylinder enclosing a large number of horizontal air tubes. Steam was introduced into the cylinder via a nozzle at the top. Steam and water condensed from steam within the cylinder exited via a like nozzle at the bottom. Plates at each end sealed the cylinder to prevent steam escaping while allowing air to flow through the tubes.

  Mr. Sturtevant claimed as new and improved his concept of providing an outer cylinder that enclosed the inner. This increased efficiency by causing air to flow both over the heated inside and outside surfaces of the inner cylinder. He also increased efficiency by placing deflector plates inside the steam nozzles to improve the distribution of steam across the air tubes and also to reduce the splashing of condensate at the exit. He provided for improved access for cleaning and repairs by including space between the fan housing and the heat exchanger and providing removable panels.

  Sturtevant enjoyed significant commercial success with this and his other patents (no less than 10 patents dealing with heating and ventilation were granted to him on the same day as this patent). In 1860 he founded the B. F. Sturtevant Co. which was extremely successful and long lived; Westinghouse bought the company in 1945, and operations continued at the Hyde Park, MA factory until its closing in 1989. The company’s equipment was installed in many public and private buildings including the U.S. Capitol and the “New National Museum, Washington, D.C” – now the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

  The patent model is shown in the image. The model is highly detailed and is constructed of metal castings and brass plate. It illustrates most of the key elements of the patent to include the details of the steam nozzles, deflector plates, and the provisions for access for maintenance. Diagrams showing the complete design of the heater can be found in the patent document online (www.USPTO.gov).

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1870

  ca 1870

  patent date

  1870-02-22

  inventor

  Sturtevant, B. F.

  ID Number

  ER.309240

  accession number

  89797

  catalog number

  309240

  patent number

  100,242

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Prairie Windmill Model

  Description

  This model represents a horizontal paddle-wheel windmill of the type used to some extent on the prairies of the United States. The model shows the windmill set up to pump water to an irrigation flume. The axle of the wind wheel is mounted on bearings supported on the top of a board fence that encloses the lower part of the paddle wheel.

  Paddle-wheel windmills differ from the sail-wheel mills in that the paddles move in the direction of the wind rather than across the wind, and it is necessary to make the paddle-wheel feathering or shield part of it so as to prevent the wind from striking the paddles that are moving in the direction opposite to that of the wind. The axis of the paddle-wheel type may be either horizontal or vertical. The use of the horizontal type is limited by the fact that it operates only when the wind is in the direction nearly perpendicular to the axis of the wheel.

  Reference:

  This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1929

  ID Number

  MC.309688

  catalog number

  309688

  accession number

  107859

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Calkins Steam Engine Indicator

  Description

  The Engineers Instrument Co. manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 66, which is based on patent 442102, granted to Almon B. Calkins of Bridgeport, Connecticut, on December 9, 1890. It consists of a brass piston with two grooves; a brass cylinder; and internal spring, which can be changed; a large drum with coil spring and single record. The stylus and grease cup are missing. Accompanying the indicator is a box with twelve springs.

  An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.

  A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.

  When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.

  The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  ID Number

  MC.316803

  catalog number

  316803

  accession number

  228496

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Weeden No. 14 Toy Steam Engine

  Description (Brief)

  The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts manufactured the Weeden model number 14 from the 1890s until the 1940s. The toy consists of a brass boiler with safety valve, water sight glass, and whistle. The horizontal slide valve engine powers an iron flywheel. The boiler and engine is attached to a six-legged cast iron frame. The side of the boiler has bears the Weeden crest logo that reads “W MFG. CO.”

  The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  early 20th century

  ID Number

  MC.328959

  catalog number

  328959

  accession number

  278175

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  German Toy Steam Engine

  Description (Brief)

  This toy steam engine was made by an unknown German maker around the early 20th century. The toy consists of a vertical boiler, vertical engine, and flywheel. The chimney stack is in the shape of a hexagon.

  Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  early 20th century

  ID Number

  MC.328983

  catalog number

  328983

  accession number

  278175

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Ernst Plank Toy Steam Engine

  Description (Brief)

  This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. There is a small metal plate on the toy’s wooden base that reads “Hercules,” possibly the model name of this engine. The toy has a pressed metal firebox below the boiler with a pressure gauge and steam whistle. The boiler powers a vertical slide valve engine shafted to a flywheel.

  Ernst Plank founded his company in Nuremburg, Germany in 1866. The company was well known for manufacturing a variety of metal toys like steam locomotives, stationary steam engines, early photography equipment, and magic lanterns until its dissolution in 1935.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1900

  ID Number

  MC.329006

  catalog number

  329006

  accession number

  278175

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Sunstone Capital

  Description

  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints founded the town of Nauvoo, Illinois in 1839 and finished construction of their elaborate temple in 1846. Initially welcomed by the Illinois General Assembly, growing anti-Mormonism and the 1844 murder of leader Joseph Smith drove them to abandon the town less than three years after completing the temple.

  This celestial limestone carving was one of thirty that adorned the grand temple at Nauvoo, which was destroyed by a fire (possibly due to arson) in 1848 and tornado-force winds in 1850.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1846

  associated dates

  1844

  architect

  Weeks, William

  associated institution

  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  associated person

  Smith, Joseph

  maker

  Weeks, William

  ID Number

  1989.0453.01b

  catalog number

  1989.0453.01b

  accession number

  1989.0453

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Carpenter's Pencil

  Description

  This pencil was grouped with a number of pencils found in the pocket of a tool belt used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Carpenter pencils have an two wide flat sides to keep them from rolling. The graphite core is generally wide and flat, making it easy to mark course materials when using the flat side while using the thinner side for precision marks.

  When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.

  In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  ID Number

  2005.0276.27

  catalog number

  2005.0276.27

  accession number

  2005.0276

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 83. Quarters of Men in Fort Sedgwick, Generally Known as Fort Hell

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  This view exhibits the bomb-proof quarters occupied by both officers and men in Fort Sedgwick. Excavations were made in the ground, and covered first with heavy pieces of timber, over which a layer of earth, of several feet in thickness, is thrown, suffcient [sic] to resist the penetration and explosion of any shell that might fall upon them. The interior of these habitations were made as comfortable as possible, according to the taste of the proprietor. Each had its fire-place, and, in the absence of brick and stone, sticks of wood and barrels were used to build the chimneys, being well plastered in the interior by mud to prevent them from taking fire. In many works, regular bomb-proof quarters were constructed. The scene presents a singular and grotesque appearance – to be appreciated it must be seen; no description will prove adequate. Few know the hardships and discomforts through which soldiers have to pass, and still they appear happy and contented. Fort Sedgwick is one of the most advanced points of the United States lines, standing boldly forward, and constantly inviting attack. The work is a very irregular one, and is thrown across the Jerusalem Plank Road, one of the most important thoroughfares leading out of Petersburg. It is a place of very great interest, on account of its exposed and prominent position for so long a period. Scarcely a day passed without witnessing a heavy artillery duel, and each hour of those many long and weary months, as two brave armies lay opposite to each other, could be heard the shrill, sharp report of some leaden messenger of death. It was here, as elsewhere, that only the reckless would dare expose the slightest part of the person even for a second, and well does this noted spot deserve the not very euphonious name to ears polite, as given by the soldiers, of "Fort Hell."

  Nearly opposite to this work is Fort Mahone, known by the men as "Fort Damnation." The distance between the main lines here is about fifteen hundred feet, and between the pickets two hundred, the latter almost as strong as the former. On the morning of the 2d of April, 1865, this ground became consecrated and holy to the memory of the brave soldiers who fell in that glorious assault upon the opposing batteries, and to those who so courageously defended their post of honor – it was strewn with the dead and dying.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1865-05

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0283.33

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0283.33

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 19. Antietam Bridge, on Boonsboro and Sharpsburg Turnpike

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  This structure crosses Antietam Creek on the turnpike leading from Boonesboro to Sharpsburg, and is one of the memorable spots in the history of the war, although but little suggestive in its present sunny repose, of the strife which took place near it, on the day of the battle of Antietam. Traces of the engagement are evident in the overturned stone wall, the shattered fences, and down-trodden appearance of the adjacent ground. On the night of the 16th of September, the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac captured this bridge after a sharp fight, holding it until the infantry came up. The fire of our artillery, planted on the ridges near the bridge, was terrible, and at one time no doubt contributed principally to the success of our partially disordered lines in checking the headlong assaults of the enemy.

  After Lee's second invasion of Maryland, which ended with the battle of Gettysburg, and the escape of his army into Virginia at Williamsport and Falling Waters, Gen. Meade had his headquarters for a number of days on a wooded ridge called the "Devil's Backbone," situated near this stream, along which the Army of the Potomac was encamped. Very little now remains to mark the adjacent fields as a battle ground. Houses and fences have been repaired, harvests have ripened over the breasts of the fallen, and the ploughshare only now and then turns up a shot, as a relic of that great struggle.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1862-09

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.19

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.19

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 22. Signal Tower, Elk Mountain, Overlooking Battle-Field of Antietam

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  To the hero of Antietam belongs the credit of first developing and fully appreciating the value of a corps of signalists to an army throughout its active operations in the field, and especially during a great battle. His signal officers were most intelligently and advantageously posted, and seldom, even in later campaigns, has their assistance to a commanding general been more valuable, or more frankly and handsomely acknowledged, than in the momentous struggle on the Antietam. At intervals along our line of battle, and on the most prominent points in the vicinity, were stationed the Federal Signal Officers, detecting by their skill, vigilance, and powerful glasses, every movement of the enemy, reporting them instantly by a few waves of their flags to the Union Commander, and in return, transmitting by the same means the orders to the subordinate generals, which were to check or defeat the manoeuvres of the enemy. The adjoining sketch represents the most important of those signal look-outs, and was located on the summit of Elk Mountain, one of the South Mountain Range of the Blue Ridge, and overlooking the battle-field.

  The Elk Mountain Signal Station was operated by Lieutenants Pierce and Jerome, and the view was taken whilst the former officer was receiving a dispatch from General McClellan, probably requesting further information in regard to some reported movement of his wary foe, or sending an important order to a Corps Commander.

  A rebel correspondent of a Richmond paper, who claims to have been an eye-witness of that battle, thus writes on the succeeding day, of the part taken in it by the Signal Corps of the Union Army: "Their signal stations on the Blue Ridge commanded a view of our every movement. We could not make a maneuver in front or rear that was not instantly revealed to their keen look-outs; and as soon as the intelligence could be communicated to their batteries below, shot and shell were launched against the moving columns. It was this information, conveyed by the little flags upon the mountain-top, that no doubt enabled the enemy to concentrate his force against our weakest points, and counteract the effect of whatever similar movements may have been attempted by us."

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1862-09

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.22

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.22

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 41. Trossel's House, Battle-field of Gettysburg

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  This house is in front of the left of the position occupied by our army at the battle of Gettysburg. General Sickles established his headquarters near this House on the second day's fight, and it was in this immediate vicinity that he received his wound, from which he lost his limb. The dead horses about the building indicate the terrific character of the fight. General Sickles had discovered early in the day that the enemy were moving around on our left, and advanced his corps some distance, for the purpose of securing a favorable position. The battle opened about half-past three, the enemy moving down in three lines, and almost overwhelming the Third Corps. At five o'clock General Birney assumed command of the corps, General Sickles having been wounded. In the meantime, the rebels had forced back the left of our lines, and undoubtedly would have gained possession of Round Top, but for the timely arrival of the Fifth Corps, which became hotly engaged, losing many valuable officers, but finally repulsing the enemy, and holding a position, the loss of which would have necessitated the retreat of our army, and perhaps resulted in its total defeat.

  Thousands of dead and wounded were strewn over the fields adjacent to this House, and graves of Confederates can be found in every direction. The trees are scarred by bullets, marks of cannon-shot and shell disfigure the buildings, and the remains of the hastily constructed breastworks, with mouldering fragments of accoutrements, still show where the lines of battle were engaged.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1863-07

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.42

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.42

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 43. Headquarters Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, during the Battle of Gettysburg

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  Just back of the cemetery at Gettysburg, on the road leading to Taneytown, stands a humble dwelling, made historical by its occupation as headquarters of General Meade. This officer having assumed command of the Army of the Potomac at Frederick, thirty miles distant, immediately sent out the several Corps on different roads towards Harrisburg, with orders to attack the enemy wherever he might be found. On the first of July, Reynolds, with the First Corps, engaged the Confederates at Gettysburg, and after a gallant struggle, in which that officer was killed, the Corps, reinforced by the Eleventh, retired to the strong position on Cemetery Ridge. General Meade first heard of the engagement and its result at Taneytown, ten miles away, about sundown. Orders were at once despatched [sic] for the other Corps to march for the scene of action. The headquarters camp was struck, tents and wagons were sent back to Westminster, and shortly after midnight the General and staff pushed on to Gettysburg, establishing headquarters at this house.

  The second of July was one of the most lovely days of the season, and, with the exception of occasional shots between the advanced picket lines, remained perfectly quiet until three o'clock. The headquarters, however, throughout the day presented a most animated appearance. Commanding officers and couriers were constantly arriving and departing, while the staff officers and escort lounged in the shade about the house, or slept on the green turf, gathering strength for the conflict momentarily expected to commence. In the afternoon, Sickles, with the Third Corps, was attacked by the enemy, and the battle finally became general, the First, Fifth, Sixth and Eleventh participating, with the Second and Twelfth in reserve in the rear of the right wing. The headquarters, from its exposed position, at once became the centre of a terrible artillery fire. Shot and shell plunged through the building in quick succession, and made sad havoc with the group about it. In a few minutes a number were killed, and the General was soon compelled to withdraw, leaving dead and struggling horses on every side. On the third day the house was exposed to even a more severe fire, which threatened to utterly annihilate it. Immediately after the battle, the owner returned, repaired the damages, and the building now promises to stand for many years, bearing the scars of that fierce conflict.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1863-07

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.43

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.43

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Hart House Architectual Elements from Ipswich, Mass.

  Description

  The largest artifact in the museum, this Georgian-style, 2 ½-story timber-framed house was built in the 1760s and stood at 16 Elm Street in the center of Ipswich, Massachusetts, until 1963 when efforts by Ipswich citizens saved it from the bulldozer. The house was carefully taken apart—the frame, chimney, and many other pieces were shipped to the Museum and reassembled.

  Today, the house is the centerpiece of the exhibition Within These Walls…, and visitors are able to peer through its walls, windows, and doors to view settings played out against the backdrop of Colonial America, the American Revolution, the abolitionist movement, the industrial era, and World War II. The exhibition tells the story of five ordinary families, selected from many, who lived in this house over 200 years and made history in their kitchens and parlors, through everyday choices and personal acts of courage and sacrifice.

  date made

  ca 1760

  resident

  Caldwell, Josiah

  Caldwell, Lucy

  Choate, Abraham

  Choate, Sarah

  Dodge, Abraham

  Dodge, Bethiah

  Lynch, Catherine

  Lynch, Mary

  owner

  Dodge, Abraham

  Caldwell, Josiah

  Choate, Sarah

  Dodge, Bethiah

  Caldwell, Lucy

  Lynch, Catherine

  Lynch, Mary

  resident

  Scott, Mary

  owner

  Choate, Abraham

  ID Number

  DL.64.545

  catalog number

  64.545

  accession number

  252318

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Plate 24. Scene in Pleasant Valley, Foot of South Mountain, Maryland

  Description

  Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.

  The house of Mrs. Lee, situated in Pleasant Valley, Maryland, was selected by General McClellan, after the battle of Antietam, as a temporary home for Mrs. McClellan, who paid a brief visit to the army. The General spent much of his time here, when not occupied with military matters, and in the vine-clad porch the officers of the Staff whiled away many a pleasant October day. Two of the officers shown in this group were members of General Burnside's Staff, and one of General McClellan's. It was intended that General McClellan should make one of the group, and all the necessary arrangements had been perfected by the photographer, when heavy cannonading on the Virginia side of the Potomac, caused by a reconnoitring party of cavalry, drew the General away.

  The headquarters were located in a field near this house, and were composed only of a sufficient number of tents to shelter the General and Staff, and the offices of the various departments. A portion of the army was encamped along the base of Maryland Heights and South Mountain, and the remainder was located on the heights back of Harper's Ferry. Supplies were forwarded over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which afforded excellent facilities for visiting the army, and thousands of the friends of the soldiers found their way to camp. The citizens of Maryland were noted for their hospitality to such visitors, and their generosity to the troops. When the army was on the march, many families stood at their gateways with buckets of water for the thirsty men, and filled the canteens of all who had time to wait. There were very few of the Army of the Potomac who left Maryland and crossed into Virginia after Lee without regretful partings with new made friends, and for many a month thereafter the bivouac was enlivened by the memories and recital of the Marylanders' welcome.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  maker

  Gardner, Alexander

  ID Number

  1986.0711.0334.24

  accession number

  1986.0711

  catalog number

  1986.0711.0334.24

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Windlass Model

  Description

  The windlass drum is made of two sections of different diameters, which turn together as one piece. The rope is so attached that it winds upon one section of the drum as it unwinds from the other, the net lifting or lowering effect being the difference between the length of rope wound upon the drum and that unwound. By making the sections nearly alike in diameter a large mechanical advantage is secured without making the drum too slender for strength or the crank too long for convenience. This model was made for the US National Museum to demonstrate the elementary form of the differential hoist.

  Reference:

  This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1922

  ID Number

  MC.307599

  catalog number

  307599

  accession number

  68535

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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