City Point’s Rails And Waterways

During the Civil War, City Point became a crucial Union logistical center, serving as headquarters for the United States Armies and as the supply base for forces fighting at Petersburg and Richmond. Upon arrival, the 900-member United States Railroad Construction Corps immediately began building the warehouses and wharves needed to handle supplies and war material for the 100,000 soldiers in the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James. The City Point Railroad, originally built in 1838, was repaired and eventually extended south and west of Petersburg, restoring the rail link to the city and connecting the military supply depot directly with soldiers on the front lines. In just twenty-two days, the army completed the first stage of the railroad and had trains operating on a full schedule, making rail and river transport central to Union success at Petersburg.

Hopewell, Virginia · United States