U.S. Army Pontoon Bridge, 1864

A pontoon bridge constructed by U.S. troops spans the Tennessee River in Decatur, Morgan County, in this photo from 1864. Decatur was a strategic location during the Civil War because of its importance in shipping and transportation in the region.

Pontoon bridge stretching across a river, with rows of boats supporting the roadway and stone bridge piers visible in the water.
Photo courtesy of the A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, University of Alabama Libraries
Pontoon bridge stretching across a river, with rows of boats supporting the roadway and stone bridge piers visible in the water.