Sherman’s Neckties

Sherman's neckties refer to a strategic military tactic used during the American Civil War, notably by General William Tecumseh Sherman. When Union troops advanced through Confederate territories, they would destroy vital infrastructure like railroads by tearing out the rails and twisting them into large, tight loops called "neckties." This rendered the rail lines unusable, disrupting enemy supply and communication lines, and hindering their ability to move resources effectively. The term symbolizes the method’s distinctive shape and its purpose: to impair the opposing side’s logistical capabilities.