Today in History: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers


Today in History–June 16–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On this date in 1775, Congress authorized the position of chief engineer for the army to help build forts, survey terrain, and clear roads during the war. The work was so valuable that four years later Congress resolved, “That the engineers in the service of the United States shall be formed into a corps, and styled the “corps of engineers;” and shall take rank and enjoy the same rights, honours, and privileges, with the other troops…” Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related resources.

Origins of the Army Corps of Engineers from America’s Library

Army Corps of Engineers images

Army Corps of Engineers maps

Army Corps of Engineers historical newspaper coverage

Army Corps of Engineers legislation

Reports and surveys from the Corps’ 19th-century expeditions and topographical reports

More Army Corps of Engineers books, reports & other texts

Learning from the Source: Primary Source Trail of Western Migration lesson plan