Baltimore and Ohio in the Civil War

This book portrays realistically the unusual role of a great railroad in wartime. It is a story with some analysis of the forces which made that road important during four uncertain years of the nation's history. The Baltimore and Ohio was the first trunk line to play a leading part in the drama of war, and no other railway rendered more important service to the United States at the time. The main stem afforded the shortest route between the Potomac and the Ohio; throughout the conflict, its Washington Branch stood out conspicuously as the only railroad which joined the District of Columbia and the loyal states. Over its tracks moved much of the freight that sustained the National Capital and the tented cities on its outskirts.Location of this railroad in disputed border territory and divided loyalty in its management testify to its difficult position at the opening of hostilities; its enforced support of the Union cause and the challenge which this held out to the Confederacy made of the roada perennial bone of contention. Advance and retreat of the armies; jabbing thrusts by Jackson, Jones, Rosser, Gilmor and Mosby; shifting of Federal troops by rail; and experiments with railroad defense, furnished interesting sidelights on the conduct of the war. If screaming whistles were silenced by the tramp of marching men, significant also was the influence of the Baltimore and Ohio on military strategy and in shaping Federal and state policies.Of this book one reviewer writes: "I have read this manuscript with absorbing interest and find it splendidly written, well prepared and full of valuable information. I am amazed at the wealth of historical data which Mr. Summers has gleaned fromsome 120 sources. Outstanding is his fairness. He presents the pictures of the B&O and the Confederacy as I have never seen it, and there is not a doubt as to its authenticity. The story is better than a personally conductedHankey, John is the author of 'Baltimore and Ohio in the Civil War' with ISBN 9781879664135 and ISBN 1879664135.