Aerial Reconnaissance in the Civil War

“The Civil War wasn’t just fought on the ground… it was fought in the air.” During the war,

the Union created the Balloon Corps. These hot‑air balloons floated high above battlefields,

giving generals a bird’s‑eye view of enemy positions. For the first time, aerial reconnaissance

shaped military strategy. Observers could spot troop movements, direct artillery

fire, and send signals back to commanders below. Though primitive,

these balloons gave the Union a powerful advantage — decades before airplanes made aerial warfare

common. For more hidden Civil War innovations, follow or subscribe.