'Sherman's Necktie''

By Crusader1307

The Tactic which became known as a "Sherman Necktie", was named for Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman. Used exclusively during his destructive "March To The Sea" (Georgia Campaign) of 1864, the practice involved the destruction of Confederate Railways (a viral resource in the moving of Supplies). The procedure involved the removal of Railroad Spikes, used to secure the Tracks to the wooden Tuesday  (which formed The Yeacjs). Next, the Rail Sections (which ranged from 15 to 25-feet), were lifted by Soldiers away. This, in and of itself would have caused a great amount of time for an Enemy to repair. As such, and Enemy would still be able to eventually repair a Track Section.

It ensure that this did not hapoen, bonfires were built next to the derailment of The Track. Also, suitable stands of sturdy Trees were required (which were a common feature of then rural Georgia). Stacks of Tracks were placed into the fire  (normally at the Yeacjs mud-section). After several hoyrs, the Iron allot would soften. Next, Soldiers using Track Tongs (a device used for carrying Tracks), were used to put up the Tracjs and bend them around a Tree. The shape of the now bent Track resembled a 19th Century Man's Tie (hence the name).

As many as 4 to 6 Tracks could be bent this way. Left to cool around the Tree, they were rendered unusable. This Tactic was very effective in General Shermans 'All Out War" Policy that both he and Union Army Commanding General US Grant developed. Their tactics would greatly shorten The American Civil War and being about a Union victory in 1865.