Important bridges

[bamaman]

Which bridge being held or destroyed was the most important in Civil War? I vote for Burnsides Bridge

 

[52ndFandS]

High Bridge is pretty important too.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Thought Burnside's Bridge was probably the most famous, but not the most important, held/destroyed fixed structure bridge in the CW.

Thought some of the perhaps lesser-known railroad bridges fought over were more significant for rapidly transporting masses of troops and supplies between theaters. For example, the Baltimore & Ohio RR bridge across the Potomac at Harpers Ferry was destroyed and rebuilt nine times during the war (eight of these times involved military action).

And this is without even considering the importance of any of the makeshift (temporary) pontoon bridges constructed during fighting periods, like Burnside's pontoons at Fredericksburg.

 

[Joe Whitworth]

The pontoon bridge at Williamsport MD. that allowed lee to cross back into Virginia after Gettysburg allowing the war to continue for nearly another 2 years.

 

[1SGDan]

I will argue that the pontoon bridges that started the Overland Campaign were important because they started the campaign that never turned back and finally defeated the ANV.

 

[jackt62]

The Chain Bridge over the Potomac River connected Washington City with Alexandria. While not the scene of a particular battle, it was probably the most important passageway for federal transit into Virginia, not to mention its importance in safeguarding access to the capitol.

 

[Mdiesel]

Which bridge being held or destroyed was the most important in Civil War? I vote for Burnsides Bridge

It's an interesting question. Not sure which particular bridge was the most important. I guess the one which was distoryed & rebuilt the most

Herman Huapt was absolutely incredible in his ability to build/replace bridges quickly. I believe he had an entire system down for rail bridges being rebuilt in a week or two.

Anyway this is a good article on Huapt's bridge building ability. Critical to the war effort!

Working Magic with Cornstalks and Beanpoles

Records Relating to the U.S. Military Railroads During the Civil War Summer 2011, Vol. 43, No. 2 By David A. Pfeiffer Enlarge As General McCallum's assistant, Herman Haupt preferred being out in the field, and he worked magic in reconstructing bridges and keeping the trains running on time...

www.archives.gov