Directionally challenged in Tennessee

[Allyn]

Not sure this is the right forum, but here goes. I am trying to decipher the handwritten report of a battalion ordered from Memphis to Chattanooga in 1863. If I am reading this correctly, the unit went from Memphis by steamer to Cairo, Illinois, and then by train to Bridgeport, Alabama. Does this make sense? Seems a roundabout way to me, but I "don't know the territory."

They then marched to Battle Creek?, and then to Pigeon ? before arriving at Chattanooga. I could be mistaken about these last two places, but I am betting they were just small spots which don't show up on maps.

Can anyone help untangle this trip?

 

[Sheltowee]

I'm curious too. Depending on timing in 1863, seems they could've trained to Chattanooga via Corinth, MS?. I do know they would not have caught a train in Cairo- Maybe Columbus or Paducah.

Cairo, Illinois is not an ideal destination. I know

 

[Rhea Cole]

It makes sense when you look at the R. R. Map. In 1863 there was no direct rail connection between Memphis & Chattanooga. Marching cross country was not an option. Cairo to Nashville to Bridgeport AL by rail & then the well worn route march to Chattanooga was the route.

https://railroads.unl.edu/maps/map1lg.jpg

 

[Stryker65]

@DaveBrt for more info.

 

[Civil War Alabama]

The Memphis & Charleston Railroad was a direct rail route from Memphis through Chattanooga, but was not all held by the Federals. Specifically, the part from Corinth to Bridgeport was held by Confederates until mid-1863, when Rosecrans reoccupied N. Ala., and from Corinth to Decatur from that point until the end of the war. There were two rail lines from Nashville that connected to the M&C railroad beyond Decatur: one at Decatur Junction, and the other at Stevenson. Once the bridge at Bridgeport was rebuilt, the M&C railroad continued from Bridgeport to Chattanooga.