Civil War Round Table of Kansas City

July 26, 2016: Robert Walz, from the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth KS, was our speaker. The title of his talk was: “Railroads During the Civil War.” According to Mr. Walz, the north did not have that much initial advantage in railroads (especially in the areas where the war was being fought), but managed its assets far better than did the south. In many respects, the south used railroads better tactically than the north initially (First Bull Run), but the north was far better strategically.

When fighting a war you need supplies
to answer the call of battle cries

Food, water, weapons, and medicine
up to the front lines you had to send.

The best way to do it 160 plus years ago
was by way of rail they all soon would know.

The speed was 5 times more than a mule.
Relying on an animal became the way of a fool.

The North had the materials and factories to make a train car.
Giving them an enormous advantage, most certainly by far.

Thank you to Mr. Bob Walz for speaking and teaching.
Our brains for sure your words were reaching.