1861 Rail Network prior to the American Civil War

Railroads were arguably the most significant logistical innovation of the Civil War era, transforming the way armies were supplied and moved. The strategic importance of these rail networks lay in their ability to transport large quantities of supplies and troops swiftly over long distances, which was essential for sustaining the large armies and extended campaigns of the Civil War. By the 1860s, the United States had built approximately 30,000 miles of railroad tracks, with the North possessing around 22,000 miles and the South about 9,000 miles. In the North, a well-developed and extensive rail network provided a significant logistical advantage. The South, though possessing a less extensive network, still relied heavily on railroads to move its forces and supplies. Control over key rail hubs and lines often determined the success of military operations, making railroads prime targets for both Union and Confederate forces.

Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/2020446879/