Using Maps to Uncover a Soldier's Life

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Assessment:

Read James R. McCutchan’s letter to his sister on January 28, 1862. James was a member of the 5th Virginia. Use the chart you have already completed and the interactive map’s timeline to figure out where the infantry was before you start reading the letter. Write that here:


After reading the letter, were you right about where the infantry was on January 28, 1862?

James McCutchan mentions the towns of Romney and Winchester which are both highlighted on the battle map once it plays through 1862. Using a piece of string and the scale, estimate the distance between the two and write it here.

In what direction would James McCutchan be travelling if he went from Winchester to Romney?

How many miles has he walked in the last week?

How does James McCutchan’s attitude about life as a soldier compare to James Beard’s? Explain.

Center for Technology and Teacher Education, University of Virginia. The idea for this module came from Sherry Shin of the University of Virginia and was adapted by Brooke Graham of the University of Virginia.