Who was the most shot at man
in the Civil War? Pasadena resident and inventor extraordinaire,
Professor Thaddeus Lowe.
Thaddeus Lowe was personally appointed by President Lincoln as the chief of the Aeronautical Department of the Army of the Potomac. During the first two years of the war, Professor Lowe achieved an amazing record of innovations such as:
- first airborne telegraph
- first aircraft carrier
- developed mobile hydrogen gas
- generators to inflate the balloons in the field
- invented aerial artillery spotting
- revolutionized mapmaking
The U.S. Balloon Corps, which paved the way for our nation's future in the sky, is considered the forerunner of today's Air Force.
Our speakers, Steven and Patrice Demory, will present a little known aspect of the Civil War. The presentation will focus on the Civil War exploits of the Balloon Corps, but will also touch on Thaddeus Lowe's post-war achievements and his Pasadena residency. There will also be descendants of Thaddeus Lowe in attendance who will be bringing some historical family heirlooms.
Steve and Patrice come from Anaheim. They portray Thaddeus and Leontine Lowe at local Civil War reenactments and present the history of the U.S. Balloon Corps and it's Southern California connection.
Come join us as we learn more about Professor Lowe and his achievements.
Janet Whaley
Program Chair
President Lincoln with Steven and Patrice
Demory
photo by David Delgadillo
www.relivinghistory.net