Measuring Distance (Mileage) Marched

[Cavalier]

Not civil war but for what it's worth, there are historic markers at two places on Maryland Route 7, Philadelphia Rd., several miles east of Baltimore. The historic markers state they were the locations of the campsites of French General Rochambeau's army as it moved South through Maryland toward Virginia during the American Revolution. I used to drive by them frequently and out of curiosity one day clocked them at eleven miles apart. Philadelphia Road at that time was the stage coach route from Baltimore to Philly so I would imagine the road was pretty well maintained by the standards of the time.

John

 

[Lubliner]

I guess the pickets served as their eyes and ears.

I think you will find whether it is a rebel encampment or yankee encampment to be of use. Obviously if an army such as Buell's is heading northward after Bragg into Kentucky, there is a leading vanguard on the march. The direct orders followed known roadways, but forward scouts and cavalry would report back on other avenues of ingress. Once a full day of marching took place, considering the supply wagons coming up, sometimes scouts were sent ahead to find a suitable (tactical) spot for horses. Though there was a fabled 'fog of war', the army was generally not blind on movement. Of course blunders would occur to the leading edge, and development of the enemy would become known. Remember the southern rebels of middle Tennessee would likely have better information from soldiers raised nearby, and the local populace would help the army of their choice. Rosecrans moving southward is another example of map-making and their use.
Lubliner.