The Civil War was the incubator for many innovations. Among them was the Bureau of Military Information of the Army of the Potomac. Established by Joseph Hooker and operated by George Sharpe, this unique organization developed an all points information gathering apparatus that was a harbinger of our modern world of military intelligence. It eventually grew to a level of sophistication that the Bureau provided the leaders of the Army of the Potomac with analysis of the data collected, as well.
This presentation covers the path to the Bureau’s establishment, growth and impact on the course of the war. Not your typical battle or campaign overview, you will come away with new knowledge about the great American tragedy called the Civil War.
Bio: Jim Goecker
Jim Goecker is a lifelong student of the American Civil War. His avocation has led to dozens of presentations around the country on topics as diverse as military intelligence and “Galvanized Yankees”. His recent book, “Hoosier Spies and Horse Marines: A History of the Third Indiana Cavalry, East Wing” was published in 2023. Jim is currently researching the 1862 execution of Unionists in Luray and the effects on the men’s families.
Professionally, Jim spent over 40 years in education with the last 32 years of his career spent at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, retiring as Vice President of Enrollment Management in 2019. Originally from Seymour, Indiana, Jim and his wife Deb currently live in Front Royal, Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley Civil War Round Table SVCWRT 