The Northern forces were defeated when Generals Joseph Johnson and Thomas J. Railroads during the Civil War (1861). Most railroad executives were more concerned about the rates for transporting war material and the profits they would make due to the high demand for their services than they were for the welfare of the Union. This act was the precedent for the United States Railway Administration of World War I and government influence on railroads in World War II. Unfortunately, none could satisfy parities both for, and against, slavery and the plan was shelved. On July 2, 1864 President Lincoln signed an updated Pacific Railroad Act into law which created the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to build a northern route into the Pacific Northwest. Such corruption in the rail industry prompted the enactment of the Railways and Telegraph Act of January 31, 1862. Thanks in large part to this effort U.S. forces were defeated after three days of fighting. During the Second Boer War, Winston Churchill, then a war-correspondent, was travelling aboard an armoured train on 15 November 1899, when a Boer commando led by General Louis Bothaambushed the train. They proved a vital asset in the movement of troops and materiel, ultimately allowing the North to achieve total victory. At the same time that railroads were recognized as benefits to the war effort, the military leaders also recognized them as great targets for destruction. During the war's final years Southern railroads were in such horrid condition they offered virtually no strategic military importance. Unfortunately, the historic traffic numbers declined after the war. This meant that the North could transport more troops and material to more places with less transfers due to gauge differences than the South. Many were forced to lay off employees, and in particular, let go skilled technicians and engineers.Due to a general sentiment that the war would not last long, initially Confederate rail operators did not seek, nor build, alternative sources of iron for rail construction and re… Also, the "Battle of Chickamauga" in early September of 1863 saw a Southern victory after General James Longstreet quickly moved his force of 12,000 men from Virginia to Georgia, which bolstered Confederate lines as part of the Army of Tennessee. It was soon realized that the railroads would help to make or break the Union in this conflict which was so bloody that the combined total of all U.S. losses in all other wars would not equal the losses in that war. When General Grant began the siege of Richmond and Petersburg, two cities close to each other, he set up an enormous rail depot at City Point from which he provisioned his army. An Act of Congress of 31 January 1862 [1] authorized President Abraham Lincoln to seize control of the railroads and telegraph for military use in January 1862. Rail mileage laid annually in the North (4,000) and South (400) during the conflict. For a short time, during the invasion by the Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania, some Northern railroads were seized to adequately and efficiently deal with the threat posed by General Lee. In Poland, trains were active in the defense effort of the September campaign against the invading Germans. Third, one of the common features of civil war era railroad construction is the use of trestles over undulating land versus excavation of cuts and fill. All rights reserved. When discussing railroads during the Civil War their role is often overlooked. As schooners anchor just offshore, Federal artillery and accompanying caissons sit on the wharf awaiting transport by rail at City Point, Virginia during the ongoing Siege of Petersburg in early 1865. Most of these rails were four feet eight and one-half inches apart. A large and unprepared Union Army under the command of General McDowell moved south out of Washington D.C. towards the rail center of Manassas astride the tributary known as Bull Run. If you are researching anything EMD related please visit this page first. I was enthused to see an NMRA link about ACW RRs. "Civil War Rails:  How Railroads Changed The American Civil War," By John P. Hankey, "Railroad Generalship: Foundations Of Civil War Strategy," By Dr. Christopher Gabel, "Railroad’s Critical Role In The Civil War" (HistoryNet), "The Impact Of Railroads On Warfare During The American Civil War," By David Hollis. Alas, in 2013 the site closed by thankfully Don Strack rescued the data and transferred it over to his, If you are researching anything EMD related please visit, If you are researching active or abandoned corridors you might want to check out the, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: Map, History, Logo, Photos, Roster, Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad: Map, History, West Point Route (Railroad): Map, History, Logo, Photos, Southern Railway (USA): Map, Locomotives, Logo, History, Nashville, Chattanooga & St Louis Railway: Map & History, Louisville & Nashville Railroad: Map, Locomotives & History, Central of Georgia Railway: Map, Roster, History, Logo, Fallen Flag Railroads: Photos, Logos, And Histories, Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Statistics, Photos & More, Great Locomotive Chase Of 1862 (Civil War), Railroads In World War 2 (USA): Facts, Statistics, Timeline, Railroads During World War I: Facts, Statistics, Photos, Transcontinental Railroad: Map, Completion, Impact & Facts, Railroads And The Industrial Revolution In America (1850s), Streamliners In The USA: Trains, Pictures, Locomotives. The idea for such a coast-to-coast railroad dated back to 1854-1855 when then-Secretary of War Jefferson Davis led surveying efforts west of the Mississippi River. General Sherman employed these same tactics when he left Savannah for his march through the Carolinas. Aside from the war railroads dealt with other issues throughout the 1860's, such as numerous track gauges and a lack of sufficient bridges spanning major waterways. The North not only held a commanding advantage in total mileage but also boasted a mighty industrial machine across New England. Suitable for Ages 10 & Older. © Copyright 2007-2021 American-Rails.com. The railroads, faced with this tough legislation, immediately fell in line to aid in the Union war effort for fear of being seized. The Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac (RF&P) was owned by several lines and connected Richmond with Washington, D.C. As William Thomas points out in his book, "The Iron Way: Railroads, The Civil War, And The Making Of Modern America," 75% of its lines had been constructed only in the 1850s. Average cost of new cast-iron wheels in the South in 1861 ($15) compared to 1865 ($500). All photos and videos, copyright individual owners/organizations. The damaged landscape echoes the corpse- In addition, large stockpiles of railroad materials were gathered in certain areas to be rushed to a damaged area so that repairs could quickly and efficiently be completed. In all of the states which attempted to leave the Union, there was only one plant which could reclaim rail which was bent into what became known as “Sherman’s Bowties.” The South was at a distinct disadvantage in men, material, transportation and productive abilities. During the Civil War, both the North and the South utilized a new technology in the waging of war; the railroads. While both understood their importance, the South saw trains as a means of maintaining slavery's status quo for economic growth. With a belief in unilateral states' rights there was no central oversight or management of its network. The original Pacific Railway Act was not the only important event of 1862; that year also witnessed creation of the United States Military Railroad. The project was launched within a year and formally completed on May 10, 1869 when Union Pacific and Central Pacific met at Promontory Summit, Utah. One of the most noteworthy was its inability to properly utilize the railroad. It was soon … The two men were also adept at preventing field officers from interrupting everyday affairs through either meddling or special requests. Since most of the fighting occurred below the Mason-Dixon Line this issue was only magnified as the conflict wore on. The majority of rail lines were found in those states which remained loyal to the national government. The South was to employ this tactic for the rest of the war. Average rail weight (per yard) during the Civil War. Railroads in the Civil War would play a pivotal role in deciding how the campaign transpired. The Confederacy's lack of such infrastructure was further compounded by its inability to effectively harness the iron horse for military purposes as historian John P. Hankey articulately points out in his excellent essay from the March, 2011 issue of Trains Magazine entitled, "The Railroad War: How The Iron Road Changed The American Civil War.". The highest concentration occurred in Tennessee and Virginia, where black railroad labor became especially significant, but touched nearly every state in … I have not seen much of any articles in the MRR or Scale Rails magazines and hopefully your recognition spurs on the possibility that the one day soon they will. Railroads in World War 2 were critical to winning the conflict and were prepared unlike with the World War I crisis. The U.S. Military Railroad was established by the United States War Department as a separate agency to operate any rail lines seized by the government during the American Civil War. Be sure to visit the many Railraod, Automobile and Civil War Museums and Battlefields throughout Our Nation. Hi Robert, The great rail centers in the South were Chattanooga, Atlanta, and most important, Richmond. More Americans were lost during the Civil War than in all other wars combined. As Grant said in his memoirs, those who could not skin could help by holding a leg. This quick action by the railroads saved the Union garrison, allowed Grant to launch his brilliant battle to lift the siege and prepare the springboard from which General Sherman would undertake his March to the Sea. It is an excellent resource with thousands of historic maps on file throughout the country. It all began in April of 1862 when disguised Union soldiers stole the General, a Western & Atlantic 4-4-0 "American Type" steamer in an attempt to destroy Confederate supply lines. Thom Radice. Southern railroads, however, were routinely impressed into the service of the national government whenever Southern territory was taken by Union troops. Suitable for Ages 10 & Older. The Great Locomotive Chase took place April 12, 1862, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The U.S. Military Railroad (USMRR) was established by the United States War Department as a separate agency to operate any rail lines seized by the government during the American Civil War. U.S. Military Railroads during the Civil War. The American Civil War was the world's first full-blown 'railroad war'. Most notably was the venerable Baltimore & Ohio which lay in the heart of the fighting. Without the miles of track, engines and rolling stock, Grant would have had to supply his troops with numerous wagons pulled teams of horses managed by teamsters which would have required more forage for the horses and more food for the teamsters. More often than not it, however, it was military strategy and not the railroad which led to Southern victory. Many were pulled up in the 1970's and 1980's although others were removed long before that. The amount of information found there is quite staggering; historical backgrounds of wheel arrangements, types used by virtually every railroad, preserved and operational examples, and even those used in other countries (North America and beyond). The work of the United States Military Railroad Construction Corps (U.S.M.R.R.C.C.) They became both strategic resources, as well as a military targets, precisely because they were strategic resources. And ante-bellum railroad builders aimed for fast and cheap. When the war began, there were approximately nineteen million people living in the United States. In 1982 it helped create today's Norfolk Southern. Discussing how railroads in the 1850s continued to revolutionize the industry and the development of new lines and railroads west of the Ohio River. He believed that by crippling B&O's network the Union could not effectively wage war. As Mike Schafer notes in his book, "Classic American Railroads," it proved an invaluable asset for the Union. The American Civil War was the first war where railroads were a significant factor in moving troops and supplying forces in the field. As Mr. Hankey notes virtually all major conflicts were located either at or near important rail junctions. Interested in learning much more about out nation's rail history as well who invented the iron horse and when? The information includes original numbers, serials, and order numbers. Building through the very rugged and remote regions of western Montana, northern Idaho and Washington it took NP nearly twenty years before its completion in 1883 (hampered, partially, by the financial Panic of 1873). As part of building the Mound City 1862 layout, I have had to learn about Civil War era railroad equipment. During the war, railroads were second only to waterways in providing logistical support for the armies. Trains allowed the military to quickly transport troops and supplies over long distances like never before. With cotton crop being hoarded in an attempt to entice European intervention, railroads were bereft of their main source of income. U.S. Military Railroads during the Civil War. The Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis (NC&StL), known as the "Dixie Line," dates to the 1840s. Today, there are tens of thousands of miles scattered throughout the country. This concentration of secessionist forces was achieved by transporting these troops to the battle by rail. It was not until the war's final years did the Confederacy understand the railroad's usefulness. During the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the Second World War armored trains were actively used by all parties included in the conflicts. The War Department would supervise any railroads taken over by the government. The USMR was under the command of General Daniel C. McCallum (former general manager of the Erie Railway) and General Herman Haupt (former chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad). Instead, cargo would have to be unloaded, driven across town, and then reloaded. One of the most significant changes in military structure was the introduction of the United States Colored Troops in 1863, the first official military integration policy. German armored train Panzerzug. In an attempt to curb further property destruction the railroad built the first-ever armored rail car. As long as the North squandered its resources in uncoordinated attacks upon the Confederacy, the rebels would be able to transport troops from one area to another in order to halt any Union advance. There were four potential routes chosen; a northern, central, and two southern corridors. As previously mentioned, for the significant damage Southern railroads received the B&O was also hit hard since its main line was situated right along Union and Confederate lines within the border states of Maryland and Virginia (West Virginia after 1863). In Januar… 2 By David A. Pfeiffer Enlarge As General McCallum s assistant, Herman Haupt preferred being out in the field, and he worked magic in reconstructing bridges and keeping the trains running on time. World War I's most decorated soldier, SGT Alvin York, left for war and came home on an Oneida & Western Railroad passenger train from Jamestown, TN. Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource in the study of steam locomotives. A similar tactic was successful just over a century later when North Vietnam caused enough American casualties during the Vietnam War to cause the U.S. government to give up. With the formation of the United States Military Railroads (USMRR), the Federals gained the authority to take possession of whatever equipment was necessary to operate strategic rail lines in support of the Union Army. Then, when he began the famous March to the Sea, his troops were so adept at repair of the tracks that the rail lines would often be in service within a day or two if not the same day. The Great Locomotive Chase, also known as Andrews' Raid, was an unsuccessful attempt by Union forces to sabotage Confederate railroads and capture Chattanooga during the Civil War. They are available in very limited quanttiies Central Pacific 4-4-0 Civil War Loco, Rd #254 It is a must visit! The American Civil War saw many innovations in military warfare. The North fully understood the railroad's importance and mobility. N Scale Civil War Series Steam Locos These locos are manufactured by Atlas and custom decorated by Micro-Trains. During the war, soldiers, material and food were routinely transported by rail along with civilians and the raw material necessary to keep the war effort progressing. The speed of the movement caught Southern forces off-guard, demonstrating just what the railroad could do. When Generals Grant and Sherman again attacked Vicksburg the following year, they destroyed all five railroads which serviced both Jackson, Mississippi and Vicksburg. For instance, Southern leaders believed civilian rail movements should take precedence over military transports. An 1861″Railroad battery” used to protect workers during the American Civil War. For their bravery the U.S. troops were awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor, some posthumously.
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