The role of railroads in the Civil War 4 Articles

by Karen Moore

With two times the amount of rail line in the northern states, the Confederacy was at a distinct disadvantage from the start of the Civil War, as far as the railroad was concerned. Neither side hesitated to use the railro...read more

by EMSalem

The importance of how to get armies and supplies and food and other necessities needed for war from here to there was a large part of the war effort of both sides in the Civil War. It took the North a while to understand t...read more

by Keith Bailey

By 1861, the American railroad was a vital commercial and communications link in the eastern half of the country. But when Civil War erupted between the states, the railroad's role transformed into an invaluable military a...read more

by Janette Peel

Throughout the civil War, railroads figured vitally in many campaigns. They hauled troops, carried arms, equipment, clothing, and foodstuffs from factories and farms, and often served as the only supply link for a marchin...read more