# Guillaume Henri Dufour

> Swiss army officer, bridge engineer and topographer (1787-1875)

**Wikidata**: [Q123238](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123238)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillaume_Henri_Dufour)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/guillaume-henri-dufour

## Summary
Guillaume Henri Dufour was a Swiss army officer, bridge engineer, and topographer (1787–1875) who earned the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour for his military and engineering contributions. He is best known for his work in cartography, military engineering, and topographical surveys, particularly during the Sonderbund War (1847) and his role in the construction of the Ponte des Bergues bridge in Switzerland.

## Biography
- Born: September 15, 1787 (Geneva, Republic of Geneva)
- Nationality: Swiss
- Education: École polytechnique (France)
- Known for: Military engineering, topographical surveys, and bridge construction
- Employer(s): Swiss Army, French military
- Field(s): Military engineering, cartography, civil engineering

## Contributions
- **Topographical Surveys**: Led extensive military surveys in Switzerland, including during the Sonderbund War (1847), contributing to strategic planning and territorial mapping.
- **Bridge Engineering**: Designed and oversaw the construction of the Ponte des Bergues bridge in Switzerland, a significant engineering feat of the time.
- **Military Leadership**: Served as a general in the Swiss Army and later in the French military, earning the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour for his service.
- **Cartography**: Produced detailed topographical maps that were instrumental in military and civil engineering projects.

## FAQs
**What were Guillaume Henri Dufour's key contributions to military engineering?**
Dufour led critical topographical surveys during the Sonderbund War (1847), which provided essential intelligence for Swiss military strategy. He also designed and supervised the construction of the Ponte des Bergues bridge, a landmark engineering project in Switzerland.

**Where did Guillaume Henri Dufour receive his education?**
Dufour studied at the École polytechnique in France, a prestigious engineering institution that shaped his technical expertise in military and civil engineering.

**What awards did Guillaume Henri Dufour receive?**
He was honored with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank of France’s Legion of Honour, recognizing his outstanding contributions to military and engineering fields.

**How did Guillaume Henri Dufour influence Switzerland's military infrastructure?**
His topographical surveys and bridge engineering projects, such as Ponte des Bergues, enhanced Switzerland’s military readiness and civil infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy in both domains.

## Why They Matter
Guillaume Henri Dufour’s work in military engineering and cartography significantly advanced Switzerland’s strategic capabilities and infrastructure. His topographical surveys during the Sonderbund War provided critical intelligence, while his bridge designs, like Ponte des Bergues, set standards for engineering precision. His contributions to the Swiss Army and his international recognition through the Legion of Honour highlight his role as a pivotal figure in both military and civil engineering. Dufour’s legacy endures in the enduring structures and maps he helped create, shaping Switzerland’s development for generations.

## Notable For
- **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour**: Awarded for exceptional service in military and engineering fields.
- **Ponte des Bergues**: Designed and constructed a key bridge in Switzerland, showcasing his engineering expertise.
- **Sonderbund War Surveys**: Led critical topographical surveys that influenced Swiss military strategy.
- **École polytechnique Graduate**: His education at this elite institution provided foundational knowledge for his career.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Guillaume Henri Dufour was born on September 15, 1787, in Geneva, Switzerland. He attended the École polytechnique in France, where he developed his expertise in military and civil engineering. His education at this prestigious institution laid the groundwork for his future contributions to topographical surveys and bridge construction.

### Military Career
Dufour served as a general in the Swiss Army, later transitioning to the French military. His leadership during the Sonderbund War (1847) was marked by his topographical surveys, which provided essential intelligence for Swiss military strategy. He earned the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour for his outstanding service in these roles.

### Engineering Achievements
One of Dufour’s most notable projects was the construction of the Ponte des Bergues bridge in Switzerland. This engineering feat demonstrated his precision and innovation in civil engineering. His work in bridge design and topographical mapping set standards for military and civil infrastructure in Switzerland.

### Legacy and Influence
Dufour’s contributions to Switzerland’s military and engineering sectors left a lasting impact. His topographical surveys and bridge designs, such as Ponte des Bergues, remain significant examples of his expertise. His international recognition through the Legion of Honour underscores his status as a key figure in both military and civil engineering. Dufour’s legacy continues to influence Switzerland’s development in these fields.

## References

1. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
2. [Source](https://ge.ch/arvaegrefdoc/EC3/82186/chaeg_ec_eaux_vives_45_00194.JPG)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/a14af2498b9e4854a35a3199290101ce)
9. Léonore database
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
13. Roglo
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/dufourgh)
16. archINFORM
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. Enciclopedia Treccani
19. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
20. Dizionario di Storia