Not much changed in military transportation until the massive U.S. Civil War tore the nation apart. Soon militaries on both sides were developing strategic military transportation networks and utilizing a combination of the traditional and modern technologies of the time. The first use of railroads and steamboats in U.S. military history play a strategic role, while traditional wagons and other watercraft continue critical support as well. The industrial age had arrived for U.S. Army Transportation.

Aquia Creek Landing

Strategic Transportation – Rail line at the Aquia Creek, VA watercraft landing. Library of Congress Photo

Nashville, Tenn. Railroad yard and depot with locomotives

Railroad yard in Nashville, TN in 1864 – Library of Congress image

Four mule Wagon, City Point VA 1864

Old and New – Wagons and rail cars at the Civil War Logistics hub of City Point, VA – Library of Congress image