Dodge is a Brick - One of the Union's Most Interesting Generals
A man who was admired and respected by the likes of Ulysses S. Grant, Tecumseh Sherman, and President Abraham Lincoln is likely one you've not heard of.
An Unknown Legend
When Ulysses S. Grant asked William “Tecumseh” Sherman what he thought of a man named Grenville Mellen Dodge, Sherman summed it up in five words: “Dodge is a brick.”
His contributions to Union victory cannot be overstated, yet they remain largely unknown. Lost amongst the giants and headline names of the Civil War. But what about this man inspired Sherman to call him a brick - no doubt a powerful complement?
Born in Massachusetts and educated at Norwich University in Vermont, Grenville Dodge was far from physically imposing. Yet he had the presence of a giant. Once he secured his degree in civil engineering, he moved to Iowa with aspirations of building the transcontinental railroad.
Joining the Union
When war broke out in April of 1861, Dodge, like many young men in the country, volunteered for service. The civil engineer soon found himself as a colonel for the 4th Iowa Infantry.
He earned a reputation as a tough-nosed leader. He possessed a unique set of skills that enabled him to engage with and impress politicians and high ranking officers. This would come in handy throughout this career.
An Intelligence Mastermind
His successes and attributes earned him a role under General Grant as an intelligence chief in Vicksburg. In the role he became a pioneer of military intelligence.
Funded by captured Confederate cotton, Dodge created an effective network of over 100 intelligence agents. Dodge’s network is believed to be the most accurate and comprehensive network the world had seen.
It was so sophisticated and effective that the framework Dodge put into place became a precursor to the modern Intelligence Corp of today’s United States Army.
A Promotion Leads to the President
His performance under Grant led to a promotion in the Army of the Tennessee. It was here that Dodge’s contributions captured the admiration and respect of more than just Grant and Sherman. Dodge and his men became a key component to Sherman’s success in the south.
His men repaired and rebuilt railroads, bridges, and telegraph lines seemingly as quickly as the retreating Confederates could destroy them. It wasn’t long before his efforts caught the attention of another prominent leader.
Abraham Lincoln called Dodge to Washington DC. Lincoln wanted to learn more about his railroad expertise. The idea of a transcontinental railroad was still at hand and Lincoln wanted Dodge’s opinion on where to start. The location Dodge chose would be established by an executive order in 1864.
Leading the Union Pacific
After the war, Dodge, with the endorsement of Grant and Sherman, would assist the Union Pacific Railroad as chief engineer. He fulfilled his dream. He was a key leader in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
He would enjoy a successful career in railroad engineering. Following a short stint as a politician, he spent the 1880s and 1890s as president or chief engineer of many railroad companies.
After earning a handsome living, Dodge returned home to Iowa. He died in Council Bluffs in 1916.
His home is a National Historic Landmark and Fort Dodge in Kansas as well as Dodge City were both named in his honor.
History for the Hurried:
January 12, 1990: Romania outlawed the Communist Party following the overthrow of Dictator Nicolae Ceauescu.
January 11, 1964: The U.S. Surgeon General declared cigarettes may be hazardous to health, the first such official government report.
January 10, 1878: An Amendment granting women the right to vote was introduced in Congress by Senator A.A. Sargent of California. The amendment didn't pass until 1920, forty-two years later.