Transportation during the Civil War

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Transportation during the Civil War still consisted largely of infantry marches and horseback. Large equipment and supplies, such as cannons and cooking gear, were moved using horses and wagons.

Ships and trains were also used during the Civil War. At this time, steam was used to power both ships and trains. The steam engine and the steamboat were used to move large numbers of troops and equipment long distances.

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Blacksmith at Work (Source: Library of Congress) Although most infantry traveled on foot, horses played a major role in moving equipment and supplies. Some small groups of cavalry, mounted on horseback, were also used to quickly attack in enemy territory. Here a blacksmith is shoeing horses at the Army of the Potomac headquarters, Antietam, Maryland.
Bridge building to cross a river (Source: Library of Congress) The Army Corp of Engineers were responsible for building roads and bridges for troop transport. Here the 5th New Hampshire Infantry are building a bridge over the Chickahominy River in Virginia.
Railroads were used for troop and weapons transport (Source: Library of Congress) Railroads played a major role in moving troops and weapons. The Union corp of engineers laid tracks and built bridges for the military trains.
Steamboats were used for troop transport (Source: Library of Congress) Steamboats were used to move large numbers of troops. This picture shows the levee and steamboats in port at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

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