Road Analysis Report

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Road Analysis Report 401 Fairgrounds Road Phone 573 364 4621 Mark Twain National Rolla, Missouri 65401 Fax 573 364 6844 Forest Road Analysis Report Mark Twain National Forest —Maintenance Level 3 and 4 Roads Prepared by Meramec Regional Planning Commission 4 Industrial Drive • St. James, MO 65559 (573) 265-2993 FAX (573) 265-3550 1 MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST Road Analysis Report for Maintenance Level 3 and 4 Roads January 2003 Revised April, 2003 TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................5 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................9 Background Process Products STEP 1: SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS .......................................................................................11 Purpose and Products Objectives of the Analysis Analysis Plan Interdisciplinary Team Members and Participants Available Information STEP 2: DESCRIBING THE SITUATION....................................................................................19 Purpose and Products Existing Road and Access System Description Desired Road System Conditions Basic Data Needs STEP 3: IDENTIFYING ISSUES ....................................................................................................31 Purpose and Products Issue Summary Status of Current Data STEP 4: ASSESSING BENEFITS, PROBLEMS AND RISKS ....................................................37 Purpose and Products Current Road System Benefits, Problem, and Risks Ability of the Road System to meet Objectives STEP 5: DESCRIBING OPPORTUNITIES AND SETTING PRIORITIES..............................78 Purpose and Products Problems and Risks Posed by the Current Road System Assessment of Building Roads in a Currently Unroaded Area Opportunities for Addressing Important Problems and Risks NEPA analysis needs 2 STEP 6: REPORTING......................................................................................................................82 Purpose and Products Report Maps Road Atlas LIST OF TABLES Table 1.1 Road Analysis Interdisciplinary Team Members .........................................................17 Table 2.1 Jurisdiction and Maintenance Level of Existing Road System in MTNF .....................25 Table 2.2 Road Network Mileage Projected ................................................................................27 Table 3.1 Inventory of Roads by Ranger District.........................................................................62 Table 7.1 Demographics of Counties in the Mark Twain National ..............................................98 Table 7.2 Stream Crossings by Ranger District.............................................................................99 Table 7.3 Information Table on Maintenance Level 3 & 4 Roads ..............................................108 APPENDICES....................................................................................................................................97 APPENDIX 1: Demographics for Counties in the Mark Twain National Forest...................................................98 APPENDIX 2 Stream Crossings in the Mark Twain National Forest...................................................................99 APPENDIX 3 Estimated Runoff and Sedimentation from Roads.......................................................................100 APPENDIX 4 Information Table on Maintenance Level 3 & 4 Roads ..............................................................108 APPENDIX 5 Survey Instrument Used for Interviews with County Commissions ...........................................114 APPENDIX 6 Survey Results Compilation by Issue ..........................................................................................124 APPENDIX 7: MAPS`.....................................................................................................................150 Overview of MTNF ......................................................................................................................1.1 Roads—Ava Unit..........................................................................................................................2.1 Roads—Cassville Unit..................................................................................................................2.2 Roads—Cedar Creek Unit ............................................................................................................2.3 Roads—Doniphan Eleven Point District ......................................................................................2.4 Roads—Fredericktown Unit .........................................................................................................2.5 Roads—Houston-Rolla Unit.........................................................................................................2.6 3 Roads—Poplar Bluff District........................................................................................................2.7 Roads—Salem-Potosi District ......................................................................................................2.8 Roads—Willow Springs Unit .......................................................................................................2.9 Wilderness—Ava Unit..................................................................................................................3.1 Wilderness —Cassville Unit.........................................................................................................3.2 Wilderness —Doniphan Eleven Point District .............................................................................3.3 Wilderness —Fredericktown Unit ................................................................................................3.4 Wilderness —Houston-Rolla Unit................................................................................................3.5 Wilderness —Salem-Potosi District .............................................................................................3.6 Wilderness —Willow Springs Unit ..............................................................................................3.7 Streams—Ava Unit.......................................................................................................................4.1 Streams —Cassville Unit..............................................................................................................4.2 Streams —Cedar Creek Unit ........................................................................................................4.3 Streams —Doniphan Eleven Point District ..................................................................................4.4 Streams —Fredericktown Unit .....................................................................................................4.5 Streams —Houston-Rolla Unit.....................................................................................................4.6 Streams —Poplar Bluff District....................................................................................................4.7 Streams —Salem-Potosi District ..................................................................................................4.8 Streams —Willow Springs Unit ...................................................................................................4.9 Recreation—Ava Unit ..................................................................................................................5.1 Recreation —Cassville Unit .........................................................................................................5.2 Recreation —Cedar Creek Unit....................................................................................................5.3 Recreation —Doniphan Eleven Point District..............................................................................5.4 Recreation —Fredericktown Unit.................................................................................................5.5 Recreation —Houston-Rolla Unit.................................................................................................5.6 Recreation —Poplar Bluff District ...............................................................................................5.7 Recreation —Salem-Potosi District..............................................................................................5.8 Recreation —Willow Springs Unit...............................................................................................5.9 Mineral Leases — Fredericktown Unit.........................................................................................6.1 Mineral Leases —Salem-Potosi District.......................................................................................6.2 Range Allotments—Ava Unit.......................................................................................................7.1 Range Allotments —Cedar Creek Unit ........................................................................................7.2 Range Allotments —Doniphan Eleven Point District ..................................................................7.3 Range Allotments —Houston-Rolla Unit.....................................................................................7.4 Range Allotments —Poplar Bluff District....................................................................................7.5
Recommended publications
  • TAUM SAUK AREA THREATENED by HYDRO PLANT by Susan Flader
    (This article was first published in Heritage, the Newsletter of the Missouri Parks Association, August 2001) TAUM SAUK AREA THREATENED BY HYDRO PLANT by Susan Flader When state park officials selected a cover photo to illustrate their first-ever assessment of "threats to the parks" nearly a decade ago, they chose not a scene of despoliation but a symbolic representation of the best of what they were seeking to protect. It was a vista at the core of the Ozarks, looking from the state's grandest waterfall near its tallest peak across its deepest valley into the heart of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Missouri's then-newest public park but also its geologically oldest, wildest, most intact, and most ecologically diverse landscape. Scarcely could one imagine that the very symbol of what they were seeking to protect through their threats study, titled "Challenge of the '90s," would itself become the most seriously threatened landscape in Missouri at the dawn of the new millennium. The photo showed two forest-blanketed, time-gentled igneous knobs in the heart of the St. Francois Mountains, on the left Smoke Hill, recently acquired by the state, and on the right Church Mountain, leased to the Department of Natural Resources for park trail development by Union Electric Company of St. Louis (now AmerenUE). But on June 8, the Ameren Development Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, filed an application for a preliminary permit with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Church Mountain Pumped Storage Project. It would consist of a 130-acre reservoir ringed by a 12,350-foot-long, 90-foot-high dam on the top of Church Mountain, a lower reservoir of 400 acres formed by a 1,900-foot-long, 100-foot high dam flooding several miles of Taum Sauk Creek, which has been designated a State Outstanding Resource Water, and associated tunnels, powerhouse, transmission lines, roads, and related facilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilot Knob, Missouri Civil War Telegram Collection (R0137)
    Pilot Knob, Missouri Civil War Telegram Collection (R0137) Collection Number: R0137 Collection Title: Pilot Knob, Missouri Civil War Telegram Collection Dates: 1862-1863 Creator: Iron County Historical Society Abstract: The Pilot Knob, Missouri Civil War Telegram Collection contains photocopies of telegrams sent and received by Colonel John B. Gray, commander of the Union post at Pilot Knob, Iron County, Missouri. The dispatches include communications with district headquarters at Saint Louis, and with detachments throughout southeastern Missouri, especially those at Fredericktown, Patterson, Van Buren, and Barnesville. The telegrams cover the period from November 1862 to April 1863. Collection Size: 0.02 cubic foot (2 folders) Language: Collection materials are in English. Repository: The State Historical Society of Missouri Restrictions on Access: Collection is open for research. This collection is available at The State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center-Rolla. If you would like more information, please contact us at [email protected]. Collections may be viewed at any research center. Restrictions on Use: Materials in this collection may be protected by copyrights and other rights. See Rights & Reproductions on the Society’s website for more information about reproductions and permission to publish. Preferred Citation: [Specific item; box number; folder number] Pilot Knob, Missouri Civil War Telegram Collection (R0137); The State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center-Rolla [after first mention may be abbreviated to SHSMO-Rolla]. Donor Information: The collection was loaned for photocopying to the University of Missouri by the Iron County Historical Society on December 10, 1982 (Accession No. RA0155). Custodial History: Mrs. Pollie Hollie, the archivist and historian of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, where the telegrams were found, located the Pilot Knob telegrams.
    [Show full text]
  • Discover Southeast Missouri
    park’s paved trail which is produced nearly 80% of the nation’s mined lead. St. Joe When was the last time you waded Cape Girardeau County handicap accessible and signed Perry County State Park, Missouri’s second largest state park, is located in the heart of barefoot in a mountain stream, fell in SLIP ON SOME WALKING SHOES and grab the camera be- in Braille. Granite quarried at this EXPECT THE UNUSUAL among the gently rolling hills of Perry the old Lead Belt. The park offers picnicking, camping, hiking, mountain bik- with a singing group of French revelers, cause there’s a lot to see and do in Cape Girardeau, the largest city in site was used to pave the streets of the St. Louis riverfront and the County. In Perryville, the County seat, explore the grounds of the St. ing, four fishing lakes and two swimming beaches. The park is equipped for felt the “rush” of a ride down a water Southeast Missouri. In old downtown Cape, sip a coffee at an outdoor café abandoned granite quarry is its own monument to a glorious past. Mary of the Barrens Seminary, the first college west of the Mississippi. equestrian camping and has a campground for visitors with off-road vehicles. slide or sat quietly enjoying the beauty of in the shadow of the 1854 Court of Common Pleas, browse through a Located within this historic district are the National Shrine of the nature? If none of this sounds familiar, maybe variety of shops and boutiques or stroll through Riverfront Park for a great In Pilot Knob, a visit to the Fort Davidson State Historic Site is a must.
    [Show full text]
  • Directory of Missouri Historical Records Repositories
    MISSOURI SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN R. ASHCROFT Directory of Missouri Historical Records Repositories Organization Name: Adair County Historical Society Street Address: 211 South Elson City, State, Zip Code: Kirksville, MO 63501 County: Adair Phone: 660-665-6502 Fax: Website: adairchs.org Email: [email protected] Hours of Operation: Wed, Thurs, Fri 1 PM-4 PM Focus Area: Genealogy and Local History Collection Policy: Subject Areas Supported by Institution Civil War/Border War Genealogy Organization Name: Adair County Public Library Street Address: One Library Ln City, State, Zip Code: Kirksville, MO 63501 County: Adair Phone: 660-665-6038 Fax: 660-627-0028 Website: youseemore.com/adairpl Email: [email protected] Hours of Operation: Tues-Wed 9 AM-8 PM, Thurs-Fri 9 AM-6 PM, Sat Noon-4 PM Focus Area: Porter School Photographs, Marie Turner Harvey - Pioneer Educator in Porter School, Adair County Collection Policy: Subject Areas Supported by Institution Education Organization Name: Albany Carnegie Public Library Street Address: 101 West Clay City, State, Zip Code: Albany, MO 64402 County: Gentry Phone: 660-726-5615 Fax: Website: carnegie.lib.mo.us Email: [email protected] Hours of Operation: Mon, Wed 11 AM-7 PM; Tues, Thurs, Fri 11 AM-5 PM; Sat 9 AM-Noon Focus Area: We have a collection of minutes, programs and photographs of local women's social clubs, lodges, library history, local scrapbooks. Collection Policy: Subject Areas Supported by Institution Local History Oral History Women Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 1 of 115 Organization Name: Alexander Majors Historical Foundation Street Address: 8201 State Line Rd City, State, Zip Code: Kansas City, MO, 64114 County: Jackson Phone: 816-333-5556 Fax: 816-361-0635 Website: Email: Hours of Operation: Apr-Dec Sat-Sun 1 PM-4 PM Focus Area: Collection Policy: Subject Areas Supported by Institution Education Organization Name: American Institute of Architects St.
    [Show full text]
  • Mingo, Pilot Knob and Ozark Cavefish National Wildlve Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan Approval
    Mingo, Pilot Knob and Ozark Cavefish National Wildlve Refuges Comprehensive conservation Plan Approval Submitted by: I Date Refuge Manager Concur: #/a/? / Date hefuge Supervisor, Area 2 Lt.ol~20d7 Nita M. Fuller Date Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System Approve: ylljhYicn.m~ APR 1 7 2007 Robyn ~horson~ Date Regional Director Mingo, Pilot Knob and Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction and Background ..................................................................................................................1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................1 Mingo National Wildlife Refuge ..........................................................................................................1 Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge ....................................................................................................1 Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge .............................................................................................3 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .......................................................................................................3 The National Wildlife Refuge System ...........................................................................................3 Refuge Purposes ...........................................................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment
    Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment On the Cover: Bluffs along the Big River of southeast Missouri in the autumn. The Big River displays characteristics typical of many Ozark streams including an abundance of seeps, springs, caves, woodland and forest features that provide unique natural resource services. The southeast Missouri Ozarks are home to more than 200 endemic species. (Photo Credit U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) i TRUSTEES: U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Missouri Department of Natural Resources LEAD FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service CONTACT: John Weber Environmental Contaminants Specialist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 101 Park DeVille Dr. Suite A Columbia, MO 65203 573-234-2132 x177 Email: [email protected] RESPONSIBLE STATE AGENCY: Missouri Department of Natural Resources CONTACT: Tim Rielly Assessment and Restoration Manager Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 573-526-3353 Email: [email protected] COOPERATING FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service CONTACT: Bill Mains Environmental Engineer U.S. Forest Service 30239 South SR53 Wilmington, IL 60481 815-423-6370 DATE: June, 2014 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 General Information 3 1.2 Scope and Scale of the Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan 5 1.3 The Southeast Missouri Ozarks Regional Restoration Plan and the Request for Proposal
    [Show full text]
  • On the Loose – Trails Section
    Everything you need to know about more than 90 of the best camps in the region Including more than 60 High Adventure opportunities Images courtesy of: http://signal.baldwincity.com/news/2011/oct/20/local-boy-scouts-troop-remained-busy-during-summer/ http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/obn8RVY_szM/mgdefault.jpg http://www/sccovington.com/philmont/trek_info/equipment/tents.htm This is a publication of Tamegonit Lodge, the Order of the Arrow lodge affiliated with the Heart of America Council, BSA. Updated: December 2012 Additional copies of this publication are available through the Program Services Department at the Heart of America Council Scout Service Center 10210 Holmes Road Kansas City, Missouri 64131 Phone: (816) 942-9333 Toll Free: (800) 776-1110 Fax: (816) 942-8086 Online: www.hoac-bsa.org Camps: Revised December 2012; Rivers: Revised November 2008; Caves: Revised July 2007; Trails: Revised March 2010; High Adventure: Revised September 2007 HOAC – Order of the Arrow – ON THE LOOSE TRAILS – Page 1 ON THE LOOSE - TRAILS Table of Contents A H American Gothic Trail ............................................. 4 Henry Rowe Schoolcraft Trail ............................... 13 B Herbert Hoover Trail ............................................. 14 Battle of Westport Historical Trail ......................... 4 Hercules Glades Wilderness Hiking Trails .......... 14 Bell Mountain Wilderness Hiking Trails ............... 5 J Berryman Trail .......................................................... 5 John J Audubon Trail ............................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Wind Beneath My Interpretive Wings
    www.mointerp.net SPRING 2011 Newsletter of theAMIgoAssociation of Missouri Interpreters Morgan Wyatt The Wind Beneath My is a Naturalist at the Springfield Interpretive Wings Nature Center lmost every interpreter has had someone that inspired by Morgan Wyatt them to go into the field of interpretation. Often the ones inspiring us have not been “official interpreters” A Grandpa knew his lake like the and did not even realize they were interpreting at the time. back of his hand and was always So many people took time to let me in on the secrets and able to put us on some bass, crappie or bluegill (bream, as mysteries of nature. Anyone, anywhere can be an interpreter we called them). He never once lost patience with us and capable of inspiring others. our constantly tangled fishing line. We even gigged frogs. Most of the people who inspired me were members of At his house, we were explorers. Grandpa would help us my own family. My mom and dad took my brother and I examine the stomachs of the fish we had cleaned to determine camping and fishing often. On those trips we learned valuable what they had been eating. A loud, squealing noise down outdoor skills such as setting up tents, building campfires by the dock was a frog being eaten by a water snake upon and fishing. Mom was quite the angler and even showed my further investigation. A dead pelican drowned on someone’s younger brother to fly fish. We had fun doing these things, forgotten trot line became a way for Grandpa to show us how and through many fish-frys we reaped the rewards of our tendons in the bird’s legs worked.
    [Show full text]
  • (Dba Ameren Missouri) Project No. 2277-023
    20130829-3022 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/29/2013 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Union Electric Company (dba Ameren Missouri) Project No. 2277-023 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (August 29, 2013) In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) regulations, 18 CFR Part 380 (Order No. 486, 52 Fed. Reg. 47897), the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for a new license for the Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Project (FERC Project No. 2277), located on the East Fork of the Black River in Reynolds County, Missouri, and prepared a final environmental assessment (EA). In the final EA, Commission staff analyzes the potential environmental effects of licensing the project, and concludes that issuing a new license for the project, with appropriate environmental measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A copy of the final EA is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission’s web site at www.ferc.gov using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number, excluding the last three digits, in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, 202-502-8659. You may also register online at www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Arcadia Valley & Black River Recreation Area
    ARCADIA VALLEY & BLACK RIVER RECREATION AREA MISSOURI VACATION! VISIT THE PEACEFUL SIDE OF THE OZARKS missouri-vacations.com The Ozark Region Abundant Recreation Explore hundreds of miles of splendid trails. Hike the Ozark Trail, Floating on the Black River is a tranquil treasure not to be missed. Plan a relax- or take on riveting routes throughout the region on a mountain bike. ing trip through the shimmering waters of Missouri’s clearest stream. Seasoned Experience the unspoiled beauty of Mark Twain National Forest and and first-time floaters alike can choose from canoes, rafts, tubes or kayaks. numerous conservation and wilderness areas, or enjoy a relaxing float trip The Arcadia Valley and Black River recreation areas present visitors on the crystal clear Black River from spring through fall. Challenge and with numerous camping alternatives. Plan a stay along the river or reward yourself with abundant bird watching, fishing, hunting, golfing or choose a peaceful forest glade. Spend a restful night beneath nature’s horseback riding! starry canopy. Many campgrounds are pet and horse friendly. Historic towns, villages and landmarks, such as Fort Davidson State Take part in annual week-long trail rides, or spend a fun-filled week- Historic Site (scene of the pivotal Battle of Pilot Knob), provide a glimpse end with the whole family! Saddle-up for wagon trains and pack trips into the rich heritage of our region. Thrilling reenactments or a cross-country ride. Boarding facilities and stalls are available to of Civil War battles attract thousands of visitors from around the globe. reserve for your faithful companions.
    [Show full text]
  • Campground Ardpark 1780 E
    MileByMile.com Personal Road Trip Guide Missouri Interstate Highway #44 Miles ITEM SUMMARY 1.0 Exit 1 United States Highway #400, United States Highway #166, Anthony Lane, Community of Central City, Missouri, Loma Linda Resource Course, 4.0 Exit 4 State Highway #43, Coyote Drive, Communities of Spring City, Missouri - Hornet, Missouri - Gregg, Missouri - Chitwood, Missouri - Belle Center, Missouri - Belleville, Missouri - Wela Park, Missouri - Blendville, Missouri - Racine, Missouri, Community of Iron Gates, Missouri, 6.0 Exit 6 State Highway #86, State Highway #43, Community of Dennis Acres, Missouri, Community of Cliff Village, Missouri, Community of Redings Mill, Missouri, Community of Shoal Creek Drive, Missouri, Community of Joplin, Missouri, Communities of West Joplin, Missouri - Spring City, Missouri - Lone Elm, Missouri - Tuckahoe, Missouri - East Joplin, Missouri, Joplin Regional Airport, Community of Airport Drive, Missouri, Landreth Park, 8.0 Exit 8A United States Highway #71, Community of Duquesne, Missouri, Communities of Sunnyvale, Missouri, Community of Oakland Park, Missouri, Royal Heights Park, Leonard Park, Murphy Boulevard Park, 8.0 Exit 8B United States Highway #71, South Dequesne Road, Community of Silver Creek, Missouri, Community of Saginaw, Missouri, Community of Leawood, Missouri, Community of Rex City, Missouri, 11.0 Exit 11A United States Highway #71, State Route FF, Community of Spurgeon, Missouri, 11.0 Exit 11B United States Highway #71, State Route #200, Community of Tipton Ford, Missouri, 11.0 Exit 11A-B
    [Show full text]
  • Civil War Manuscripts
    CIVIL WAR MANUSCRIPTS CIVIL WAR MANUSCRIPTS MANUSCRIPT READING ROW '•'" -"•••-' -'- J+l. MANUSCRIPT READING ROOM CIVIL WAR MANUSCRIPTS A Guide to Collections in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress Compiled by John R. Sellers LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON 1986 Cover: Ulysses S. Grant Title page: Benjamin F. Butler, Montgomery C. Meigs, Joseph Hooker, and David D. Porter Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Library of Congress. Manuscript Division. Civil War manuscripts. Includes index. Supt. of Docs, no.: LC 42:C49 1. United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865— Manuscripts—Catalogs. 2. United States—History— Civil War, 1861-1865—Sources—Bibliography—Catalogs. 3. Library of Congress. Manuscript Division—Catalogs. I. Sellers, John R. II. Title. Z1242.L48 1986 [E468] 016.9737 81-607105 ISBN 0-8444-0381-4 The portraits in this guide were reproduced from a photograph album in the James Wadsworth family papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress. The album contains nearly 200 original photographs (numbered sequentially at the top), most of which were autographed by their subjects. The photo- graphs were collected by John Hay, an author and statesman who was Lin- coln's private secretary from 1860 to 1865. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. PREFACE To Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War was essentially a people's contest over the maintenance of a government dedi- cated to the elevation of man and the right of every citizen to an unfettered start in the race of life. President Lincoln believed that most Americans understood this, for he liked to boast that while large numbers of Army and Navy officers had resigned their commissions to take up arms against the government, not one common soldier or sailor was known to have deserted his post to fight for the Confederacy.
    [Show full text]