United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

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GEORGE WHISTLER Class of 11519 — Engineering George Whistler, father of the artist, found the oppor- tunity to apply his abilit) when the War Department sum- moned him to help the B Railroad expand its rail system through difficult country between the Potomac and the Ohio. To solve effectively the many problems he en- countered, he developed a system of horizontal contour lines which enabled him to survey and map the region. His system has now been universally adopted in mapping. Whistler also developed several fine locomotives, and supervised the ((instruction of the first passenger railroad system in this country. When his fame spread to foreign shores. Czar Nicholas of Russia invited him to build a railroad between St. Peters- burg and Moscow. He went to Russia with full hopes and great ideas, and even the numerous obstacles placed in his path by incompetent officials were insufficient to thwart his diligence. Whistlers last effort was given to Russia. where he ended a brilliant career. 12

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BENJAMIN L. E. BONNEVILLE Class of 1815 — Exploring Early in his life. French-horn Bonneville seized upon llie vision of exploring the uncharted regions heyond the Greal Divide: through his persistence he was eventually given a leave of ahsence to accomplish thai singular dream. In 1!!. ' 2. with one hundred and fift men. he began an exploration that was to isolate him from civilization for four long years. During his four car sta in the West he explored and mapped much of the Rocky Mountains in tho Southwest of our country. He was the first man to map the headwaters of the Green River area in present clay Utah. Also, he was the first to lead a Westbound wagon train through South Pass, which Fremont discovered ten years afterward. Bonneville later served with distinction and honor in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. In 1861 he was retired with the brevet rank of Brigadier General in recognition of his Ions and faithful service. Exploring out West. L

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ABNER DO! BLEDAY Class of L842 Vthletics Vlthough cadets frequently see in the future the possi- liilily for great accomplishments. Aimer Douhleda) insured himself of undying lame while still at the icademy. In the Spring Hi 1839, at C ooperstown, New York, liis ingenuitj produced the Greal American Pastime. The universal popu- larit) of baseball toda) is largel) the result I the contribu- tion nf the youth who one hundred and twenty years ago codified its present rules. General Doubleday ' s professional record was commend- able: he fought gallantly in both the Mexican and Civil Wars. and he had the distinction of aiming the first Union artillery piece in the defense of Fort Sumter. His greatest contribu- tion, however, was that for which he is enshrined at the Baseball Hall of Fame — he was the originator of a sport that has become an integral part of our American tradition. The national pastime today and in the past. 13