Civil War Aeronautics (1861-1865)
"In honor of the Civil War’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary this guide brings together various publications about the use of balloons for aerial reconnaissance and mapping during the United States Civil War (1861-1865). The Balloon Corps of the Army of the Potomac became the first official use of aviation in American military operations and was the forerunner to the United States Air Force. For more information about balloons and airships, see our Tracer Bullet 00-5 Balloons and Airships."