Photograph of Historical Impact: Orange and Alexandria Railroad

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Orange and Alexandria Railroad
The Orange and Alexandria railroad, seen above, was a critical transport form used to boost commerce in central Virginia. People could move their goods from one place to another. On the other hand, the railroad was a crucial mode of transport during the American Civil War. The standard gauge railroad ran from Alexandria to Central Virginia. The railroad was vital for the transportation of food supplies and American troops. Additionally, the railroad was cheap and faster than other means of transport used at the time (Swinton 32). Another reason to construct the railroad was to help divert traffic from Virginia and away from the Ohio railroad. After the Orange and Alexandria railroad was put in place, it connected to major cities, which helped the town's industrialization. Agricultural activities started to thrive more since the locals could transport their goods easily for selling. Virginia became a commercial center whereby many businesses were thriving. Cargo movement increased due to railroad completion and faster movement of goods.
Figure1: Orange and Alexandria Railroad
The historical photograph clearly shows the Orange and Alexandria railroad and a train passing by. The bridge was made from wooden structure rails, and trees below it could be seen. The railroad was strategic because it connected Virginia and Alexandria to other railroads.
The construction of the railroad was vital at the time since people in the city were facing challenges, especially during transportation (Wolfe 44). Farmers were forced to incur many losses due to their farm produce going to waste. Movement of people from one place to another was quite challenging because it would take days to reach their destination. Railroads were crucial, especially to the industrial revolution in America.
The construction of the railroad began in the year 1850 before the Civil War began in America. In 1854, the Orange and Alexander railroad arrived in Gordons, connecting Central Virginia through Lynchburg. Before the civil war began, the Orange and Alexandria railroad significantly benefited people living nearby (Thaggert, 23). Mainly the farmers could ship their farm products at a lower price compared to other modes of transportation that were available. Alexandria seaport was a thriving business center since people from different locations would meet there. Additionally, the transport was easier and faster since the journey they would spend on three days was now eight hours.
Within a short period after its completion, the railroad began transportation of food supplies and movement on top from one point to the next. The Civil War's main battles occurred along the railroad in major junctions. This is where troops from different sides fought to control functional communication lines used to supply armies and the control of Manassas Junction. After the first battle of the Bull Run, the Orange and Alexander railroad was utilized to its capacity to provide the Confederate forces in Northern Virginia. At the time, the engine received very little or no maintenance. Transport was getting slower, so the train had to make some trips at the end of the day.
The withdrawal of Confederate General Joseph in March 1862 surprised everyone. This is because the single-line railroad was already overwhelmed and hence was not ready for additional supplies as there was already sure traffic at the time. During the Civil War, the Orange and Alexandria played a vital role because it was used in transporting the wounded military troops from the battle areas to different hospitals. Many military soldiers were wounded over time, so they needed a reliable mode of transportation. Additionally, the railroad was used to move supplies, such as agricultural products, to civilians and the military.
The image captured in the photograph is the bridge that was the main target of the sabotage to ensure that there was no movement of activities from one place to the next.
Numerous attempts were made to bring the railroad down, but in the long run, it weakened the rail and was in danger of crashing. On the other side, communication lines were damaged by both troops tha...