A Train Ride in the Autumn of 1863

1. A Train Ride in the Autumn of 1863

2. Recently the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in partnership with the Buckingham Branch Railroad and the 12th Virginia Infantry, Company B Civil War re-enactors, magically transported passengers to 1863 and a trip through the �war-torn� Virginia countryside.

3. Passengers had the option of riding in the coaches or enjoying the countryside in the open air.

4. While boarding and taking their seats, passengers are reminded that we are �at war� and the times are dangerous. Yankee patrols have been reported in the area and spies are everywhere. Some Confederate soldiers are on the train and one checks his gear before boarding.

5. As the train approaches Penlan, pickets from the 15th Virginia Infantry are seen. As the trains stops, Union forces consisting of elements of the 25th and 55th Ohio, the 65th New York and 105th Pennsylvania converge on the southern position.

6. The battle is joined and the Confederate troops are forced to fall back to a defensive position.

7. When all appears to be lost, reinforcements from Company B of the 12th Virginia Infantry arrive and a counter attack is soon organized.

8. The Confederates charge the Union position and the federal units are forced to retreat, leaving the field littered with the fallen.

9. Following the battle both sides visit and accept the appreciative applause of the train passengers.

10. Safely back in Dillwyn, two southern ladies de-train thanking Providence for their safe delivery on a perilous journey.