How Pontoon Bridges are Made

[Barrycdog]

Southern Confederacy, Nov. 8, 1862 -- page 2

 

[georgew]

The Confederates had quite a building program for pontoons at Shreveport. They were intended for use on the rivers in the Trans-Mississippi and probably as small barges with a steamer tow for crossing the Mississippi itself in late '63 and into '64. They were not intended for shifting heavy guns - apparently artillery units were to be reequipped after crossing.

 

[Patrick H]

This is very interesting to me. After seeing numerous photos of pontoon bridges here, I wondered about the logistics of the entire thing. This piece explains how they were transported and deployed. But, OMIGOSH, just imagine the logistical planning. In addition to your combat force, your ammunition, food and other supplies, you're also dragging around (and protecting) a force of engineers and a train of pontoons which you might or might not need. That is almost unimaginable to me. When I stop to consider all the other items an army had to bring with it (right down to horseshoe nails) and the means of transportation in the 1860s, it truly becomes mind boggling.

 

[Ray Ball]

As you folks might imagine the actual process is far more involved than this article can present. We reenact the US Regular Engineers and have several of the manuals etc. The Federal pontons came in two sizes and the construction/ removal techniques were altered and improved throughout the war. By the war's end construction was incredibly fast and efficient.

Feel free to check out our web site for some of our reference materials and photos of the pontons we were part of building and floating across the Rappahannock in Dec. of 2012 for 150th Fredericksburg. I'd be happy to help if you want to research this further. A member here, 1SGDan, knows a great deal about the bridging as well.

 

[major bill]

The ability to quickly cross a river without the need to use exiting bridges or fords gave the Union a great advantage. Proper engineering assets are a combat multiplier that allow the commander to utilize greater combat flexibility.

 

[1SGDan]

The entire process is described in detail in Duane's Manual for Engineer Troops.

https://archive.org/details/manualforengine00duangoog