Civil War and Destruction

When Union commanders assembled their forces in ways that took full advantage of the technologies, and when they practiced a new form of war making we might call “railroad generalship,” they demonstrated a nearly unassailable confidence in the modern nation. In the Atlanta Campaign William T. Sherman set out to destroy the Confederate railroads and bring the war into the South's “interior.” This capacity for a massive army to operate in the “interior” became the ultimate modern form of war-making that railroads made possible.

Documents related to this topic

  • | Letter

    Letter from station/road masters to Adna Anderson, October 16, 1864

    Labor bosses ask Adna Anderson to pressure the Quarter Master to approve the sale of winter clothing to contrabands.

  • | Time Table

    Orange and Alexandria Line "Irregular" Timetable

    This "irregular" timetable, published by the United States Military Railroads department, shows arrival and departure times on the Orange and Alexandria Line for "The Government of Operatives Only."

  • | Illustration

    New York Militia En Route to Washington, D.C.

    This image from the March 3, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts soldiers from the New York state militia on their way to Washington, D.C. to attend the inauguration of a statue of George Washingon.

  • | Illustration

    Railroad Bridge at Nashville, Tennessee

    This image from the April 7, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a railroad bridge at Nashville, Tennessee.

  • | Photograph

    Barricades at Alexandria, Virginia.

  • | Photograph

    Cars of U.S. Military Rail Road, and bridge built by soldiers

  • | Photograph

    Military railroad bridge over Potomac Creek on the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac Railroad

    A trestle railroad bridge built by the United States Military Railroad Construction Corps.

  • | Photograph

    Rails for military railroad, Alexandria, Virginia.

  • | Photograph

    Roundhouse at Alexandria

    A Matthew Brady image of the roundhouse at Alexandria, Virginia during the Civil War.

  • | Photograph

    Slave pen of Price, Birch & Co., Alexandria, VA: ca. 1860 - ca. 1865

    A Matthew Brady image of the slave pen of Price, Birch & Co., Alexandria, Virginia.

  • | Photograph

    U.S. Military Railroad Construction Corps at work on the Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg Railroad

    Construction corps at work on the Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from John R. Boyle to Samuel B. Reed, March 8, 1861

    In this letter from March 8, 1861, John R. Boyle writes to Samuel Reed discussing the prospects for employment on a railroad in the near future. He states that he would prefer working for Mr. Thielsen to working on the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad as he does not believe that railroad will be capable of "doing anything as long as those troubles between the north and south exist." Boyle also notes that he rejected an invitation to work on the Cedar Rapids Railroad, believing it would be better to "stay on our farms than work on a R Road that has no money." He declares that if the troubles between the North and South were settled, there would be more work available.

  • | Illustration

    Seventh Regiment on Board the "Boston," En Route for Annapolis

    This image from the May 11, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts members of the Seventh Regiment aboard the steamship "Boston," en route to Annapolis, Maryland.

  • | Illustration

    The Men of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment Repairing the Bridges on the Railroad from Annapolis to Washington

    This image from the May 11, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts members of the Eigth Massachusetts Regiment repairing bridges on the railroad from Annapolis, Maryland to Washington, D.C.

  • | Illustration

    Rhode Island Artillery Landing

    This image from the May 18, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Rhode Island artillery being unloaded from the steamship "Bienville" at the Washington, D.C. arsenal.

  • | Illustration

    The "Lady Davis," Two Guns, Captain Enger, Ship of War of the Southern Confederacy

    This image from the May 18, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the "Lady Davis" steamship, a warship of the Confederate States of America.

  • | Illustration

    Destruction of the Railroad Bridge Over the Potomac

    This image from the July 6, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the destruction of the Potomac railroad bridge near Harper's Ferry by Confederate troops.

  • | Illustration

    Harper's Ferry, as Evacuated by the Confederate Troops

    This image from the July 6, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Harper's Ferry after its evacuation by Confederate troops.

  • | Illustration

    Terrible Railway Accident on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad

    This image from the October 12, 1861 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a railway accident on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Child, October 13, 1861

    In this letter from October 13, 1861, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and daughter while they are traveling to visit relatives in Rock Island, Illinois. He states that there has been no "excitement politically or financially" at home aside from a proclamation by a Captain Danforth of the "we have laid down the lanset and taken up the sword kind."

  • | Photograph

    Railroad construction workers hammer track as a third watches

  • | Letter

    Letter from John R. Boyle to Samuel B. Reed, March 17, 1862

    In this letter from March 17, 1862, John R. Boyle writes to Samuel Reed discussing their shared opinion of the war as "unrational." Boyle states that he believes "we are decimating and depopulating the country" and expresses worry that there will not be enough work for all of the men once the war ends. He claims that agents from Australia and Canada are encouraging people to emigrate, and proposes that Reed work with him in a future venture.

  • | Illustration

    Intersection of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad with the Manassas Gap Railroad

    This image from the March 29, 1862 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a scene of destruction at Manassas Junction in Virginia during the American Civil War.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, July 27, 1862

    In this letter from July 27, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife from Ottumwa, Iowa describing the difficulties of running lines through the "rough and brushy country" of the state with a party of eight men who are "entirely unused to the business." He writes that he hopes conditions will be more favorable further from the Des Moines River or else the work will last into the winter. Reed states that were it "not for the few dollars I can make here more than on the farm I should be tempted to take the first train for Illinois and bid farewell to Rail Roading."

  • | Letter

    Letter from J. W. Garrett to General M. C. Meigs, August 9, 1862

    The President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad writes to General Meigs about the treatment of nurses on his rail line following an incident reported by Dorothea Dix.

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. P. Smith to J. W. Garrett, August 8, 1862

    The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Master of Transportation, W. P. Smith, writes to the firm's president of the "rough" removal of a nurse from a B and O train.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August, 10 1862

    In this letter from August 10, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife from Center Township, Iowa stating that he feels like he is "on the extreme borders of civilization." He describes the excitement over the war in the area, speculating that if enlistment throughout Iowa were on par with that portion of the state "it will not be necessary to resort to [a] draft." Reed also offers an anecdote of his party's progress just before leaving Ottumwa, Iowa, and notes that a son of Mr. Thielsen, aged 13, has joined his party.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Jennie Reed to Samuel B. Reed, August 12, 1862

    In this letter from August 12, 1862, Jennie Reed writes to her husband, Samuel Reed, from their home in Joliet, Illinois regarding rumors of a "large guerilla force near Hanibal" [Illinois]. She worries that Samuel may be "captured or killed or carried away a prisoner" and asks him to write her more often to reassure her of his safety. She also discusses the possibility of a draft and the harvesting and sale of the crops on their farm.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 16, 1862

    In this letter from August 16, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife reiterating his belief that there is no danger of a draft in Iowa given the large number of volunteers, and hopes that a draft will not be necessary in the state of Illinois either. He also relates the details of his visit to a Baptist church, describing both the building and the congregation as "of very humble pretensions." He tells his wife that there is no possibility of him returning home for a visit until the field work is completed, but that he believes he will be able to get a family pass on the railroad for visitations.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 24, 1862

    In this letter from August 24, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficulty of his party's work. He states that "the life we are now living would well fit us for army servis," and relates joking with his men about joining the army as engineers, admitting that he "would be the first to back out if a serious proposition of that kind was made to us." Reed also gives an account of where the men in his party are originally from.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 1, 1862

    In this letter from September 1, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to assure them that he is safe from "all [Confederate] moving bands." He also comments on "the Indian troubles in Minnesota," stating that although he knows nothing of them he is not surprised to learn that there have been attacks on "the defenseless frontier on the north west" as there are many "fierce and warlike nations" which would relish an opportunity to attack whites.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 7, 1862

    In this letter from September 7, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife stating that he may be home for a visit within three weeks if the field work continues at the present rate of eleven miles per week. He expresses surprise at the fact that the army "from Kansas had retreated from Arkansas" and requests information as to the war's progress in "Virginia and elsewhere." Reed states that most business not pertaining to the army seems to have been suspended, and worries that someone "more ambitious than patriotic" may be able to influence the Union army and assume control of the government as a military dictator.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 21, 1862

    In this letter from September 21, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife offering advice pertaining to the affairs of the family farm. He briefly mentions hearing of a treaty made with the Indians, but states that he has "no faith in treaties with them if the war with the south lasts." Reed also states that orders from Mr. Thielsen have caused him to delay his plans to visit home, but that he will return as soon as he can.

  • | Letter

    Letter from B.J. Earl to Jennie Reed, September 29, 1862

    In this letter from September 29, 1862, B.J. Earl, Samuel Reed's brother-in-law, writes to his sister Jennie Reed requesting family news. He describes excitement over the war and enlistment in Pennsylvania and also details the progress of railroad construction in the area. He notes that their sister, Lettie, was forced to leave her home "on account of the Indian troubels in Minna" and asks if Samuel Reed's brother, Erastus Reed, enlisted in the war.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 5, 1862

    In this letter from October 5, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the difficulties his party has encountered surveying land in Melrose, Iowa. He writes that two of his men were badly wounded "by cuts with an axe," a creek in the valley has been nearly impassable, the food has become tiresome, and his party experienced a severe rainstorm. He also notes that Mr. Thielsen has informed him of a possible change in the supervision of the railroad and would like Reed to stay on as his engineer if the change does occur. Reed tells his wife that nothing is certain yet and that she should "say nothing about it until more is known."

  • | Illustration

    Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station at Hancock

    This image from the October 8, 1862 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the railroad station in Hancock, Maryland.

  • | Illustration

    Rebels Destroying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

    This image from the October 8, 1862 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts three men at Fair View, Maryland observing Confederate forces in the distance working to destroy the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Children, October 15, 1862

    In this letter from October 15, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family from Ottumwa, Iowa where he travelled to recruit more men for his party after losing all but three to sickness, wounds, or disappearances. He states that it is quite difficult to find "idle men," and describes the extent of the work needing to be done in Ottumwa. He informs his wife that he will not be able to return home for a visit for at least another two weeks.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, October 29, 1862

    In this letter from October 29, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife to inform her that he has arrived in Burlington, Iowa. He describes his overnight trip on the train, stating that he rode all night in his seat as he "did not feel like paying a dollar" for a double booth in the sleeping car. He mentions meeting a family friend from St. Joseph [Missouri] while passing through Galesburgh who said "he may go to Chicago to reside if the war continues much longer." Reed states that "business has been loosely kept" in Burlington, and it will take him some time to get it organized and see to it all.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Erastus H. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 2, 1862

    In this letter from November 2, 1862, Erastus H. Reed, one of the enlisted brothers of Samuel Reed, writes to Jennie Reed describing his new life as a soldier as "a stern reality." He offers details on his regiment's encounters (or lack thereof) with the Confederate Army, and complains about the hard marching they have been forced to endure. He requests supplies and news, and encourages "Sister Jennie" to write to him as often as possible.

  • | Letter

    Letter from E. L. Wentz to Daniel Craig McCallum, October 13, 1862

    E. L. Wentz, of the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, asks for suggestions about providing shoes for contraband workers on the railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 20, 1862

    In this letter from November 20, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife informing her of his return to Burlington, Iowa after a visit home. He states that he resumes his work with "dislike," and believes that "living at home for the past three years has spoiled me for this kind of business." Reed ends the letter with optimism, noting that the winter will not last and "unless the road is extended I don't intend to stay here in the situation I now hold."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, November 28, 1862

    In this letter from November 28, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife reiterating his displeasure at being separated from her for so long. He tells his wife that she was correct in thinking that he felt badly for leaving, telling her "never since we were married has it been necessary for me to leave you for so long a time." Reed also states that he is currently "discharging a good many men and shall soon be reduced to winter force."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Wife and Children, December 7, 1862

    In this letter from December 7, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife and family from Burlington, Iowa requesting news from home. He notes that many in the area "would sooner see both north and south irretrievably ruined than have a settlement on any other grounds than the utter extinction of slavery." Reed states that if the North can hold out for another year peace may be possible, but he does not expect it any sooner unless "through foreign intervention."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, December 14, 1862

    In this letter from December 14, 1862, Samuel Reed writes to his wife that he hopes to return home for a visit for Christmas, but not to be disappointed if business prevents him from doing so. He states that the weather in Burlington, Iowa has been warm enough for the river steamboats to "run as well as in mid summer if there was business for them." Reed also writes of his worries over the progress of the war. Lower right corner (lower left on verso) is torn off.

  • | Letter

    Letter from H. Thielsen to C.H. Allen, January 10, 1863

    In this letter from January 10, 1863, H. Thielsen writes to C.H. Allen to request a railroad pass for Samuel Reed so that he may occasionally visit his family in Joliet, Illinois while working as Superintendent of Road Repairs on the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. Thielsen states "I greatly prize Mr. Reed's services."

  • | Illustration

    Railroad Depot in Holly Springs, Mississippi

    This image from the January 10, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the railroad depot in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, January 19, 1863

    In this letter from January 19, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife telling her of the death of a brakeman due to a fall from one of the railroad cars. He also describes his encounter with several female relatives who hope to visit the family in Joliet, Illinois.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, January 23, 1863

    In this letter from January 23, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife apologizing for not writing her sooner and lists the reasons that he has little time to spare. He also notes that a telegram has been received which announces that "a great battle is raging in Virginia" and wonders how much longer the war will last.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, March 8, 1863

    In this letter from March 8, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been preparing "the estimates for the western work." He notes the lack of available laborers and expects the situation to grow worse if the government calls for more troops (which he believes it should). He also states, however, that there has been a decrease in business over the past month and that they have been "discharging quite a number of men" as a result. Reed also describes accounts he has seen of rioting in Detroit, and details similar civil disobedience which took place recently in Keokuk, Iowa. He expresses fear of the possibility of "military despotism."

  • | Photograph

    Wrecking train and gang clearing wreck

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, May 3, 1863

    In this letter from May 3, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife asking when she will come to Burlington, Iowa to visit him and possibly pick up a relative. He states that he may not be able to leave for a visit home that month, but will send her a railroad pass over the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad "as soon as one can be obtained from Chicago."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, June 7, 1863

    In this letter from June 7, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife upon learning of the death of family friend Charles H. Abbott in the war. He notes the heavy losses of Union troops and, referencing Vicksburg, states that hundreds more are added each day. He tells his wife that after the directors of the railroad meet on the 17th of June, he will "know what to do about remaining on the road." Reed also describes an unexpected encounter with three "contrabands from Arkansas" while scouting timberland for purchase.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, June 22, 1863

    In this letter from June 22, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been finishing the month's work. He notes that the railroad director's meeting "did not amount to much," and that nothing "definite" can be done until the railroad's primary investors return from Europe. Reed states that he does not believe the prospects for the railroad work in Burlington, Iowa look encouraging for the remainder of the season.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 9, 1863

    In this letter from August 9, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife that he may be able to return home for a visit by the end of the week. He notes that Mr. Boyle is "getting along finely with his work," has 150 men employed, and hopes to be finished before the winter frosts. Reed also details a "rebellion" in Keokuk County, Iowa.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 16, 1863

    In this letter from August 16, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife expressing regret that he could not return home for a visit the previous week. He describes the intolerably hot weather in Burlington, Iowa, and compares it to the climate of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He also notes that his enlisted brother, Erastus, is still doing well and hopes "he may escape the many dangers incident to a soldier's life."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, August 30, 1863

    In this letter from August 30, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife after a visit home telling her how homesick he is and how busy he has been since his return to Burlington, Iowa. He notes that he met a Captain Mundore on his return trip through Chicago and plans to "write to him about a situation nearer home," though he has little faith in succeeding.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 6, 1863

    In this letter from September 6, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the extent of frost damage to crops in Iowa. He tells her he is "very anxious to know how much damage has been done in [the] vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 11, 1863

    In this letter from September 11, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been for the past week. He tells her he is uncertain whether or not he will be able to "get the passes you so much desire," as an order has recently been issued barring the granting of railroad passes for ladies. Reed also notes that since he returned from surveying land west of Ottumwa, Iowa, he has been thinking that he may return home to Joliet, Illinois for the winter if work is not commenced in the fall.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 13, 1863

    In this letter from September 13, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife repeating his request for information regarding the frost damage to crops on their farm in Joliet, Illinois. He notes that lately he has been in charge of the movement of trains, in addition to his regular duties, as "all in authority above me are absent." He also states that it now appears possible that there will be new work on the railroad in the fall. He expects to receive instructions to "let the first division of the road west of Ottumwa [Iowa] which will include the bridge over the Des Moines River which will cost about 70,000 dollars and will be a fine chance to display engineering skill."

  • | Letter

    Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 29, 1863

    In this letter from September 29, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing how busy he has been since his return from a visit home. He notes that he has written to a man on the "Rock Island Road" to inquire about a position which would enable him to be closer to home. Reed also asks his wife if she has heard from his enlisted brother, Erastus H. Reed, since the defeat of Rosecran's army during the Battle of Chickamauga.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Clifford Percival to John H. Devereux, October 13, 1863

    An engineer/machinist escaped from the South inquires about employment opportunities on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.

  • | Illustration

    How the Rebels Destroy Railroads

    This image from the October 24, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Confederate soldiers in the American Civil War destroying a railroad line by burning the ties, then heating the rails and twisting them out of shape.

  • | Illustration

    Army of the Cumberland Troop Train

    This image from the November 7, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the United States' Army of the Cumberland passing through a substantial cut in the mountains while traveling on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

  • | Illustration

    Burning the Rappahannock Railroad Bridge

    This image from the November 7, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the burning of the Rappahannock Railway Bridge on October 13, 1863 during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    Earth Works near the Rappahannock Railroad Bridge

    This image from the November 7, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts defensive works built near the Rappahannock Railway Bridge during the American Civil War.

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. W. McCafferty to F. P. Lord, November 19, 1863

    McCafferty notes damage done to Engine Rapidan by contrabands.

  • | Illustration

    The "Chattanooga," a Steamboat Built by Soldiers

    This image from the December 5, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the Union steamer "Chattanooga," a steam ship built by Union Soldiers.

  • | Illustration

    The Army of the Potomac Supply Depot

    This image from the December 12, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a Union railway supply depot for the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    The Railroad Bridge Over Bull Run

    This image from the December 12, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the condition of the railroad bridge over Bull Run during the American Civil War and features soldiers from the Union Army of the Potomac.

  • | Letter

    Request for passes for African American railroad workers

    Passes for African American railroad employees requested of W. J. Stevens, Superintendent of the Military Railroad, Nashville.

  • | Photograph

    The roundhouse, Chattanooga Railroad, Atlanta, in 1864

  • | Letter

    Letter from W. W. McCafferty to J. H. Devereaux, January 29, 1864

    An inquiry about re-hiring a blacksmith for the military railroad.

  • | Letter

    Letter from John Isom to Daniel Craig McCallum, February 18, 1864

    John Isom designates a black church in Nashville to serve as a copper and tin shop.

  • | Letter

    Letter from E. Benjamin to Adna Anderson, February 20, 1864

    E. Benjamin requests passes for black workers so that they may avoid impressment.

  • | Illustration

    Hospital Train from Chattanooga to Nashville

    This image from the February 27, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a Union hospital train crossing a railway bridge on its run from Chattanooga to Nashville, Tennessee during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    The Interior of a Hospital Car

    This image from the February 27, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the interior of a Union hospital car during the American Civil War.

  • | Letter

    Letter from A. M. Clapp to Daniel Craig McCallum, March 14, 1864

    McCallum is presented with two female volunteers and asked to provide transportation if their services are needed.

  • | Illustration

    Destruction of the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad

    This image from the May 21, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers from the First Brigade, Third Division of the Twenty-third Army Corps destroying the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    Burning the Railroad Bridge at Resaca, Georgia

    This image from the July 2, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers under the command of General William T. Sherman destroying a railroad bridge at Resaca, Georgia during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    Railroad Depot at Resaca, Georgia

    This image from the July 2, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers under the command of General William T. Sherman near a railroad depot at Resaca, Georgia during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    The Town of Adairsville, Georgia

    This image from the July 2, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers under the command of General William T. Sherman near a railroad depot at Adairsville, Georgia during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    The Town of Kingston, Georgia

    This image from the July 2, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a railroad tracks and telegraph wires at Kingston, Georgia.

  • | Illustration

    Big Shanty Station

    This image from the July 9, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers under the command of General William T. Sherman at "Big Shany Station" near Kennesaw, Georgia.

  • | Illustration

    Military Telegraph to Ackworth, Georgia

    This image from the July 9, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts Union soldiers under the command of General William T. Sherman constructing a telegraph line along railroad tracks in Georgia.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Adna Anderson to Daniel Craig McCallum, July 12, 1864

    A report about the state of the railroads around Nashville in the wake of ongoing guerilla destruction.

  • | Photograph

    Railroad mortar "The Dictator" at Petersburg, Virginia, July 25, 1864

  • | Letter

    Letter from J. M. Nash to Adna Anderson, September 13, 1864

    J. M. Nash requests a guard to ensure that the African American engineer at the Lavergne station is not harassed or his work interfered with.

  • | Letter

    Letter from George S. Rosser to Adna Anderson, September 16 , 1864

    George Rosser asks that small houses be built for the families of black railroad laborers.

  • | Illustration

    Destruction of Cars by General Hood

    This image from the October 1, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the destruction of railway cars by Confederate General John Bell Hood before the evacuation of Atlanta during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    Arrival of Recruits During the Fight at Peeble's Farm

    This image from the October 22, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the arrival of fresh recruits by train during the Battle of Peeble's Farm as part of Union General Ulysses S. Grant's Virginia Campaign during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    Soldiers' Building Roads in Front of Petersburg

    This image from the November 5, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a train in the distance as Union soldiers under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant build a road near Petersburg, Virginia during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    United States Military Railroad Before Petersburg

    This image from the November 5, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts a Union military railroad near Petersburg, Virginia during the American Civil War.

  • | Illustration

    View in Atlanta, Georgia

    This image from the November 26, 1864 issue of Harper's Weekly depicts the railroad depot in Atlanta, Georgia.

  • | Letter

    Letter from Mary C.E. to Jennie Reed, March 26, 1865

    In this letter from March 26, 1865, Mary C.E. writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, describing flooding which has damaged the local railroad and bridges, preventing mail from getting through. She discusses the drafting of a family member, who has not yet received his notice and may therefore avoid having to report for duty. She also notes that an acquaintance died sixteen days after receiving a wound to the ankle in the war, and that his family did not learn of his death for two weeks.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for C. H. Grenz, Blacksmith, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This blacksmith's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that C. H. Grenz spent repairing rail cars, tools and engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for H. N. Walker, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that H. N. Walker spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for J. F. Gee, Blacksmith, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This blacksmith's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that J. F. Gee spent repairing rail cars and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for James Darnell, Helper, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that James Darnell spent helping to repair rail cars and engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for Jno. Kershaw, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that Jno. Kershaw spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for Jon Chester, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that Jon Chester spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for L. Kershaw, Jr. Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This junior machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that L. Kershaw spent working on engines and at various other tasks and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for L. Maguire, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that L. Maguire spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for M. Murphy, Packer, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This packer's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that M. Murphy spent working at various "general" tasks and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for M. O'Hara, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that M. O'Hara spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for P. Farley, Packer, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This packer's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that P. Farley spent working at various "general" tasks and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for Peter Weeks, Helper, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that Peter Weeks spent helping to repair rail cars and engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for R. A. Saye, Carpenter, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This carpenter's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that R. A. Saye spent working at various "general" tasks and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for R. Young, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that R. Young spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for S. H. Hall, Machinist, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This machinist's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that S. H. Hall spent working on various engines and details the compensation he received.

  • | Payroll

    Payroll for William Rice, Carpenter, Knoxville, TN, August, 1865

    This carpenter's payroll from August, 1865 lists the time—in days—that William Rice spent working at various "general" tasks and details the compensation he received.

  • | Map

    The Southern Railroad System, 1913

    This map from the 1932 Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States displays the extent of the Southern railroad system in 1913.

Views of the Civil War and Destruction