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Nathaniel Michler, born on September 13, 1827, in Easton, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished army officer and geographer who left an indelible mark on the topographical and engineering studies of the United States. His journey began at Lafayette College and continued to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated seventh in his class in 1848.

As a brevetted second lieutenant of the Topographical Engineers, he was assigned to Corpus Christi, Texas. There, Michler honed his skills in surveying and military tactics, particularly through his reconnaissance between Corpus Christi and Uvalde, which became a model of geographic exploration upon its publication in 1849.

Michler's expertise in topographical studies led him to work on the Mexican boundary survey from 1851 to 1857, contributing to William H. Emory's influential boundary report. His career progressed with promotions to second lieutenant in 1854 and first lieutenant in 1856. Between 1857 and 1860, Michler undertook a pivotal role as chief topographical engineer in the survey for a canal route across the Isthmus of Darien, modern-day Panama.

His service extended to the Civil War, where as captain, he was integral to the efforts of the armies of the Ohio and Cumberland from 1861 to 1863. His exemplary work led to his transfer to the Army of the Potomac, where he resurveyed Harper's Ferry and was involved in key battles, earning him the ranks of major and eventually brevetted ranks of lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier general for his distinguished service.

Post-war, Michler's skills were sought in various civilian projects, including selecting a site for a presidential mansion in Washington in 1866, contributing to the design of a new War Department building, and managing public buildings and grounds in the District of Columbia. His engineering prowess also led him to oversee a myriad of projects ranging from surveying the Potomac River to supervising river and harbor improvements across several states.

Michler's personal life saw him married twice, first to Fannie Kirkland and, after her death, to Sallie A. Hollingsworth. His life's journey ended on July 17, 1881, when he succumbed to Bright's disease in Saratoga Springs, New York. Nathaniel Michler's contributions to military engineering and geographic surveys had a lasting impact, reflecting a life dedicated to the advancement of America's infrastructure and military fortifications.


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