Confederate railroads in the American Civil War

The Confederate States Army's railroad system was fragile and primarily designed for short hauls of cotton to nearby rivers or ocean port.

First, the route structure was designed to serve the coastal shipping industry, with most lines connecting ports and river terminals to inland points.

[5] In contrast, many Northern railroads formed complex networks, with multiple lines serving the same cities and most using the same gauge, facilitating easier transfers.

[6] This required cargo to be unloaded, transported across town, and reloaded, while soldiers and other passengers often had to stay overnight to catch a continuing train the next day.

[6] Confederate raids on the Union's key railroad, the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O), devastated tracks and rolling stock, causing the line to cease operations temporarily.

This spur was built to supply the Confederate defenses on the Centreville Plateau along the north side of Bull Run, feeding into the Occoquan River.

[citation needed] As the war continued, railroad operators attempted to acquire supplies from abroad due to the Confederacy's limited industrial base.

Stressed by overuse, lacking materials for repairs, and losing skilled workers to conscription, rail operators predicted a breaking point as early as 1862.

[7] In April 1863, the presidents of the southern railroads again convened in Richmond and again addressed Secretary Seddon on the condition of the rails and appealed to Congress for remedial legislation...No record is available which shows that these recommendations were acted upon by the confederate government.

[10] The transport of goods for civilian use was also severely impacted, worsening shortages caused by wartime devastation, speculation, hoarding, and the Confederacy's impressment policy.