"I hope to God this is good ground."

[AlwaysAardvarks]

Hello all,
I'm assisting a friend with the beginnings of a book, and he's asked me to help him find out what is meant by different types of ground as referred to by ACW era commanders. I recall in the film Gettysburg both Buford and Reynolds hope for "good ground". While I understand basic terrain fundamentals, my friend has found mention of "9 specific types" of ground. Perhaps this was part of pre-war West Point curricula, but I'm unable to find a definition as yet of any "9 specific types". Can any of you point me in the right direction, or even provide an answer to my question?

Please don't tell me "Google is your friend." We broke up last week, and I'm still not ready to talk about it.

[B7B Southern]

Originally Posted by AlwaysAardvarks

Hello all,
I'm assisting a friend with the beginnings of a book, and he's asked me to help him find out what is meant by different types of ground as referred to by ACW era commanders. I recall in the film Gettysburg both Buford and Reynolds hope for "good ground". While I understand basic terrain fundamentals, my friend has found mention of "9 specific types" of ground. Perhaps this was part of pre-war West Point curricula, but I'm unable to find a definition as yet of any "9 specific types". Can any of you point me in the right direction, or even provide an answer to my question?

Please don't tell me "Google is your friend." We broke up last week, and I'm still not ready to talk about it.

I guess I should say Welcome to the forum, seeing as how I am the first here.

I believe the "good ground" statement is just a different meaning of hoping victory where they are going to fight. A good place for people. A good place for action etc.

I assure you that is just my opinion and mine alone. There will be others by that may have a differing view.

Marshall

[D1J1]

Good as in a strong tactical position. A place where you can launch an attack or defend with a high degree of success depending on the situation. The Fishhook and stone wall at Marye's Heights are two examples of same.

Regards,
Dennis

[grognard]

Buford et al saw the advantages of the high ground at Gettysburg, so the Yankees concentrated there rather than falling back to the Pipe Creek line. Jackson used the railroad cut at Manassas to conceal his troops in August 1862. The Union failure to occupy the heights around Harper's Ferry led to the the capture of the garrison in Sept. 1862.

The "not so good'--forest and undergrowth--- ground at Chickamauga and The Wilderness led to confusion and surprises on both sides.

[KICK]

Originally Posted by grognard

Buford et al saw the advantages of the high ground at Gettysburg, so the Yankees concentrated there rather than falling back to the Pipe Creek line. Jackson used the railroad cut at Manassas to conceal his troops in August 1862. The Union failure to occupy the heights around Harper's Ferry led to the the capture of the garrison in Sept. 1862.

The "not so good'--forest and undergrowth--- ground at Chickamauga and The Wilderness led to confusion and surprises on both sides.

sounds like the title of a movie..

wait, it is..