New Johnsonville in Humphreys County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Nashville and Northwestern Railroad
Building the Railroad
Construction began in the fall of 1863, supervised by the 1st Michigan Engineers. Several thousand conscripted African Americans made up the bulk of the work force. Companies of the 12th and 13th United States Colored Infantries guarded the laborers from raids by Confederate troops and guerillas.
Supplying Sherman's Atlanta Campaign
After its completion in May 1864, the Nashville and Northwestern served as the major supply route for the Union armies south and east of Nashville.
The supply line began at Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Tennessee.
Steamboats carried supplies up the Tennessee River to Johnsonville. The Nashville and Northwestern then carried the supplies to Nashville, where they were shipped to Gen. William T. Sherman's army in Georgia.
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Courtesy of Tennessee State Library and Archives
Erected by Tennessee State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
Location. 36° 3.693′ N, 87° 57.822′ W. Marker is in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, in Humphreys County. Marker is on Old Johnsonville Road, 0.6 miles west of Nell Beard Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located on the grounds of the Johnsonville State Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Nell Beard Road, New Johnsonville TN 37134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Town of Johnsonville (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Horse Corral (about 700 feet away); The Final Tally (about 700 feet away); Forrest's Opening Move (about 700 feet away); Forrest Shells the Depot (about 700 feet away); The Union Supply Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lower Redoubt (approx. 0.2 miles away); Winfrey Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Johnsonville.
Also see . . . Johnsonville State Historic Park. (Submitted on June 15, 2014.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.