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Railroad Train

Civil War Railroads

Northern Railroads




The Union railroad train system was far superior to Confederate railroads during the Civil War. The Union had many industrial centers, and therefore could produce more railroads. The Union also had more manpower to maintain the trains. By 1861, two-thirds of all railroads in America were located in northern states. Another advantage the Union railroads had was that the Union rails were all one gauge. The Confederate railroads were mostly different gauges. The Union armies could transport their men better than the South could, because they could ride from state to state without having to change trains. With the Confederate railways having different gauges, there was a lot of changing trains. Confederate soldiers could not ride from state to state as easily as the Union soldiers could.

The Pacific Railway Act was established in 1862. Lincoln signed this law because it allowed help in construction of railroad and telegraph lines from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. This act also secured the ability for the government to use these same lines for postal, military, and other purposes. This act placed all employees and officers under military authority. Daniel McCallum was placed as superintendent of the U.S railroads.

By the fall of 1864, most southern railways were taken over by Union armies. Sherman’s March to Sea also proved to be disastrous for the Confederates rail network. Sherman’s soldiers destroyed whatever they could of the Confederates railways as they marched along the way. From Georgia all the way through South Carolina, Sherman’s men placed rails upon ripped up ties and set fire to them. The rails were wrapped around trees and nicknamed “Sherman’s neckties.”

By the spring of 1864 the Union had demolished most of the Southern railways.



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Seriously Flashlights





Jul 23, 2011

USS Galena, Ironclad, Battle of Ironclads

The USS Galena was one of the most impressive ironclad ships during the Civil War. In the Civil War, sea-superiority was of high importance.

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Jul 13, 2011

Sherman's March, March to the Sea

Sherman's March to the Sea would set the south ablaze. The sea was the goal, the end result, for the Union leader. General Sherman was a rogue if only for a few months, the general of the Union army stationed in the heart of the Confederacy was on a rampage.

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Jul 13, 2011

Ball's Bluff, Battle of Ball's Bluff

The Battle of Ball's Bluff, although not as monumental or tactically important during the Civil War as other battles, was a very compelling fight nonetheless.

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Feb 19, 2010

Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure. This site is my personal site. It accepts advertising and other forms of compensation.

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Dec 5, 2009

Civil War, American Civil War, Reconstruction

The Civil War was a horrific four years for the nation. When it was over, more than 620,000 Americans had died from battle and war-related causes. American had fought against American and in some cases, brother had literally fought against brother.

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Nov 9, 2009

Brass Band, Civil War Music, Civil War Bands

The brass band of the Civil War played a very important role for both armies. They played at recruitment rallies and their music often helped to encourage young men to enlist.

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Nov 9, 2009

Civil War Ships, Civil War Marines, Hunley, Civil War Ironclad ships, USS Monitor

Civil War ships played an important role during the war, more important than most people think

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