 1852 saw the creation of the "Compagnies ferroviaires Paris-Orléans" and its famous gare d'Orsay in Paris.In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the city again became strategically important thanks to its geographical position, and was occupied by the Prussians on 13 October that year.The "armée de la Loire" was formed under the orders of General d'Aurelle de Paladines and based itself not far from Orléans at Beauce.