Although the current CSX railroad bridge over the Oostanaula River is of a more recent era, it was built atop the supports from the original Western and Atlantic Railroad bridge constructed c. 1850. During the great Locomotive Chase in April 1862, Andrews’ Raiders considered this bridge a prime target and tried to set it on fire. Their attempt was foiled by recent rains, which had saturated the bridge’s timbers and prevented their being ignited.
During the Battle of Resaca, the bridge was once again the focus of Federal efforts to capture it, but to no avail. After the battle, both armies crossed the bridge as they moved south. Worth noting: the fine ashlar granite stoneworks by the Irish stonemasons who constructed the prewar bridge are visible at either end.