Montgomery Meigs

[Rhatkinson]

We all know of him a one of Lincoln's generals who road with Sec. Stanton and Sec. Wells from Seward's home to the Petersen House after hearing of Lincoln's assassination. However, Meigs was also in charge of construction of the Capitol Dome and he had a gigantic feud with the architect of the dome, Thomas Walter that was covered in a great piece on 60 Minutes that is worth your time.

Meigs was apparently obsessed with fame and even went so far as to have his name etched in the iron steps of the inner dome so that he would be remembered for the dome for eternity.
   
There is a great series of letters that passed between the two men where they fought of who should get the credit for the dome. Meigs wrote to Walter, "...You are welcomed to assume the authorship of the pyramids of Egypt...you have no right to the New Dome."

Walter replied, "If I am not the architect of the New Dome I would like to know who is..."

Anyway, check out the video. It's very interesting.

Heath
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-capitol-...niversary/

[LincolnMan]

As a young army officer, Meigs was sent to Detroit in the early 1840's to oversee the construction of what would become Fort Wayne. Just a few short years later, another young
officer would be stationed at Fort Wayne. That man would eventually lead the army to victory in the Civil War. His name was U.S. Grant.

[Jim Garrett]

The Meigs grave at Arlington is not exactly humble. Directly in front of Meigs is the memeorial to his son who was KIA. It's very deamatic.

[LincolnMan]

Meigs also was responsible in important ways for Arlington.

[Jim Garrett]

Meigs was responsible for burying the first soldiers at Arlington in retribution for Lee going South.

[Craig Hipkins]

I believe that either his grandfather or great grandfather (another Montgomery Meigs) served in the Revolutionary War with Benedict Arnold in the march to Quebec.

Craig

[LincolnMan]

I know his father was a physician. There is also a living Montgomery Meigs (in the direct line) who is a highly decorated general ( now retired).

[BettyO]

Exactly, Jim. Didn't Meigs also build or supervise the DC aqueduct? Seems I've heard/read that.....

[Eva Elisabeth]

I've read that, too, and the Pension Building and a part of the Smithonian.