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Yes, it was effectively the first war on rails.

The first pitched battle of the war was won by General Joseph E. Johnston of the Confederates who managed to bring a whole army to the battlefield by rail.

Troops and materials were transported extensively by rail throughout the war, and the destruction and re-building of railroads was a major tactic by both sides.

One reason for Sherman's decision to turn East and head for sea was because his supply-line passed over 24 viaducts that were always being blown up by Confederate cavalry. By living off the land in Georgia, he was free to ignore this major problem.

Sherman is also identified with a particular trick of railroad destruction. By giving the rail a sharp enough twist, it would be rendered impossible to repair unless it could be sent to a rolling-mill. As a further act of defiance, his troops would loop these rails round trees for the enemy to find - the 'Sherman necktie'.

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