WAGONS, TRAINS, AND BRIDGES

Railroads and bridges, as so often, shaped the movements of the armies during the American Civil War. Tearing up the enemy’s railways prevented troop movements and resupply, and building a bridge allowed an army to escape geography’s constraints. It was no surprise then that both played a vital role in Sherman’s campaign as well.

Colin Farrant

The South lacked the industrial capacity of the North and by 1863, their rail network was beginning to suffer from overuse and a general lack of maintenance and spare parts. The system was vulnerable to Union raiders who could rip up tracks and destroy railway stations. At this time, steam locomotives required refilling with water every 90 miles or so, so railway halts were vital to the network and a prime target for the enemy. On campaign, Sherman’s army brought its own engineers corps with pontoons, so temporary bridges could be constructed while en route. The soldiers were also given instructions to recruit able-bodied slaves to build a pioneer corps, specifically to help the engineers and to improve the army’s progress. ACT 3 - SHERMAN’S NECKTIE Earlier in the war,…

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Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 132

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