In the 19th century, railroads tended to converge at major cities and towns, where they participated in and added to the economic life of those communities.  In Tennessee, many such communities served as significant river ports before the railroads appeared--and profited greatly from the interaction of river and rail traffic after the railroads arrived.  Of course, their strategic placement also meant that these communities would attract the attention of contending sides when war broke out.
 

The map depicts identifies major rail junction cities in Tennessee during the Civil War.  Select an appropriate link in the following table to find out more about a selected city:
 

To study the many military events related to these railroad junction cities, go to Railroad-Associated Military Events of the Civil War

  Tennessee Civil War Railroads  |  Civil War Technology & Industry in Tennessee

Last updated:  May 9, 2000