The steam locomotive, a major invention of the Industrial Revolution, made possible the extensive railroad network which developed in Tennessee during the 1850s.  Consuming vast quantities of wood and water, these early engines provided the motive power that transported people and supplies, both military and civilian, throughout the war.

(Rogers locomotive drawing by Ed Johnson)

The typical steam locomotive at the outset of the Civil War was the so-called "American" type, often characterized as the 4-4-0, that is, having four leading wheels, four drive wheels, and no trailing wheels.  The 4-4-0 depicted in the above drawing represents a typical configuration produced by the Rogers Locomotive Works of Patterson, New Jersey, in the mid 1850s:  specific examples used in Tennessee would include the General of the Western and Atlantic (famous for the "Great Locomotive Chase") and the John T. Souter of the Nashville and Chattanooga.  There were a number of other locomotive manufacturers (mostly located in the North), producing locomotives similar in configuration but distinct in details.  Many such engines survived the war and indeed continued to operate well into the 20th century.

The great advantage of the American type was it amazing tracking ability, due primarily to the swiveling arrangement of the lead wheel truck, which allowed these locomotives to negotiate the sharp curves and irregular track without derailing.  The large driving wheels, powered via connections to steam-powered pistons, were usually four to five in diameter, with large drivers intended for passenger service and smaller drives intended for freight service, although many engines were used interchangeably for passenger and freight service.  The massive steam boiler typically sported one or two steam domes (one with whistle), a sand dome (sand provided traction), a bell, the distinctive balloon stack intended to control sparks from the burning wood fuel, and a substantial oil lantern.  A wooden cab offered protection for the engineer and fireman.  Most American locomotives of this period had cow catchers to minimize damage should the train encounter free-roaming livestock.

In keeping with the aesthetic of the period, most locomotives were colorfully (sometimes gaudily) painted and displayed extensive polished metal work.  Equally picturesque were the colorful names assigned to these locomotives, often derived from geographical features or named for important people.  Sometimes this practice backfired, so that Southern locomotives originally named for Northern locations or people suddenly found themselves hurriedly renamed to better reflect Confederate sympathies.

Each locomotive had an associated tender which carried its wood fuel and water.  Because these early engines were quite inefficient, the tenders had to be restocked frequently with both wood and water.   Cordwood was usually cut and stacked along the track at frequent intervals by local landowners operating under contract with the railroad.  Water tanks were also appeared at intervals, sometimes only five miles or less apart; whenever possible, tanks were established near springs, streams, or other dependable water sources.  Railroaders deemed clean water very important for their locomotives, as suggested by the issue of military orders prohibiting soldiers along the line from bathing in the railroad water tanks (because soapy water would foam up in the locomotive boilers).

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Last update:  May 10, 2000