The East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad ran 130 miles from Bristol to Knoxville, with a twelve mile branch line to Rogersville.  Throughout the war, there were numerous military actions along this rail line involving attacks on railroad equipment and facilities (see Railroad-Related Military Events).  The USMRR began preparing the railroad for heavy traffic in early 1865, but the line never actually sustained the degree of use that characterized the Middle Tennessee railroads.

The strategic bridge at Strawberry Plains, about twenty miles northeast of Knoxville, as it appeared in late 1863 after the Confederate siege of Knoxville.  In this shot taken by noted photographer George Barnard, note the camera and tripod on the right side of the photograph.

Please click on the link below for a detailed listing of railroad facilities on the ET&V as operated by the USMRR:
 
 

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Last update:   May 2, 2000