This photo, taken in northern Virginia during the Civil War, shows workmen replacing rails twisted by Rebel raiders. The northern victory was due in large part to the industrial prowess of the northern states. One aspect of that capability was evident in the use of the railways to move troops, weapons and supplies wherever they were needed at high speeds. The Rebels recognized this, of course, and did all they could to destroy the railroad infrastructure where it was most useful to the Union. Here we see in the foreground the twisted rail, that so often resulted, and the men working to replace it.

This public domain image was taken in 1862 or 1863 by Andrew J Russell. We profiled Russell earlier under his photograph of the Capitol Building.