Lander, Frederick West (1821-62) military engineer, born in Salem, Massachusetts. Lander was recognized for his exploration and improvement of the central wagon route connecting the country. As chief engineer (1857) and later superintendent (1858-1860) for the Fort Kearney, South Pass, and Honey Lake Wagon Road, Lander led explorations to find the best locations for the route, supervised its construction, and worked toward pacifying Indians in the area. Lander died early in the Civil War of pneumonia contracted from remaining in the field despite a lingering leg wound received while commanding a brigade at Edward's Ferry (1861).
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