Civil War Camp Size?

[CampCache]

I have located two large Civil War campsites.

At one site a Union army camped for a few days. I have mixed reports of the size of the force. One report states that 12,000 men were in the camp at one time. Another report states that approx. 20,000 more Union troops occupied the nearby town at the same time. From the reports I know exactly where the officer's quarters were located and this area has been developed. There have been relics recovered throughout the town but I would like to concentrate on the camp of the 12,000 men.

At the other site a Confederate brigade with approx. 1,500 mounted men and 4 pieces of artillery camped for approx. 12 days. Other Confederate forces camped here as well and this was the possible site for a skirmish.

How large of an area would an army of 12,000 men cover? How large of an area would a brigade of 1,500 mounted men with 4 pieces of artillery cover?

Thank you!

 

[ksdigger]

Your talking massive by the time you include wagons, horses, tents it could be strung out a good mile or two in all directions. Keep us posted on your finds!

 

[Nemo]

Ksdigger is probably close. It is a bit like trying to figure how many marbles are in the jar for the big prize. I think on a minimum you are looking at 120 acres if 12000 men were camping together and wagon trains were not included. With trains and typical physical distances between regiments... maybe 3 to 5 times that number of acres.

Dave Poche