"Making War Upon the Map"

Maps of military campaigns, both in practice and historical, have never adequately depicted operational art. They have not shown how commanders of campaigns array their forces and arrange tactical actions in time, space, and purpose. This article tells how this shortcoming in campaign mapping came about, describes what proper historical campaign maps should include, and provides new operational maps from the Gettysburg Campaign to demonstrate how such maps can improve understanding and analysis of how campaigns are fought and won.

Silhouette's of soldiers in the sky hover above Filipino troops marching in front of an audience.

Read Time: < 50 mins

From Native Guides to Commonwealth Defenders: Filipino Soldiers Under U.S. Command, 1899-1942

The United States’ acquisition of the Philippines following the conclusion of the Spanish-American War in 1898 marked the beginning of the U.S. Army’s unique association with indigenous troops in the Pacific region. From 1899 to 1902, a revolutionary army of the Philippine Republic, under Emilio Aguinaldo, battled for independence against the American troops who had vanquished the Spanish garrison. This was the war of the Philippine Insurrection, which had begun after the United States had captured Manila on 4 February 1899.

By Mark J. Reardon

A painting of an Army artist's easel set up in front of a damaged building, with painting supplies scattered nearby.

Read Time: < 3 mins

Army Artists Documenting Disaster Relief

Since the creation of the Army’s artist-in-residence position in 1992, the Army has assigned one active duty artist to the U.S. Army Center of Military History. During his or her tenure, this artist’s mission is to document the current Army. Numerous artists have covered peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts around the world, training activities and exercises, and the Global War on Terrorism.

By Sarah G. Forgey

Cover of Book showing two groups of soldiers approaching each other on horses.

Read Time: < 7 mins

Obstinate Heroism: The Confederate Surrenders after Appomattox

Obstinate Heroism: The Confederate Surrenders after Appomattox presents a compelling tableau of the final days of the rebellion after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. Most Americans view Lee’s surrender as the climactic end of the Civil War, and in many ways it was. However, many history buffs know there is more to the story, but even their knowledge is often fragmentary and incomplete.

By Stephen M. Donnelly

Man smiling with bookshelf filled with books behind him.

Read Time: < 4 mins

Correcting the Record: The Houston Riot of 1917

In November 2023, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records cleared the records of 110 soldiers who had been convicted on various charges arising from the Houston Riot of 1917, including 19 who had received death sentences and were executed. Besides changing their discharges from dishonorable to honorable, the decision was a reminder of the legacy of racism.

By Wm. Shane Story