RAILWAY BRACES FOR ATTACK

The Union and Confederate armies will skirmish once again at the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway Oct. 22 and 23.

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to ride the old-time steam train from Jackson and see the mock attack firsthand.

Organizers anticipate an exciting and educational reenactment.

The attack is to be a living history event. Soldiers will dress in authentic Civil War military uniforms from head to toe, from caps to spectacles and from boots to weapons.

Once at the battlefield, visitors will get the chance to roam through the camps of the Union and Confederate armies, which are to feature tents and other fixtures typical of the period.

The reenactment will begin at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 on the lawn of the county courthouse at Jackson. Events will include mick soldier recruitments, street fighting and a parade through town.

The finale of the opening ceremony will be the rededication of the grave of Civil War officer William L. Jeffers. Featured during this event will be presentations, a 21-gun salute and a bagpipe player.

The steam train will depart from its Jackson depot at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday for the trip to the Union and Confederate campsites.

On Sunday, the train will make scheduled trips at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Passengers may choose to stay at the campsite for as long as they like to enjoy the skirmishes, settlers and to speak with the "soldiers."

Tickets for the train ride will be $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12 years. Younger children may ride free of charge.

If you do not ride the train, parking and admission at the campsite will be $1 per person. Parking at the train depot is free.

For more information, phone 243-1688.