Factual error: The balloon that the Union soldiers escape in has no mechanical burner of any type in it that would be needed to keep the craft aloft in the air. A balloon flies by heating the air inside the bag, causing it to rise up. It descend as it cools.
Upvote valid corrections to help move entries into the corrections section.
Suggested correction: Gas balloons (using Hydrogen or Helium) large enough to carry passengers were invented in the late 1700s. Gas-filled observation balloons (such as the one in this film) were, in fact, used during the Civil War.
That is plainly a hot air balloon. The gas bags of helium/hydrogen balloons are plain spheres - this one has the characteristic intake nozzle of a hot air balloon. The posting is absolutely correct.
