STRASBURG, Pa. — Strasburg Rail Road is set to host its second annual Civil War Days experience this June. On June 7 and 8 only, ticket holders can join hundreds of reenactors paying homage to the monumental events of the summer of 1863 when the Civil War moved north onto Pennsylvania soil.
In June of 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia, fueled by their recent victory in Chancellorsville, marched north to invade Southeastern Pennsylvania. Robert E. Lee mapped out their route: advance through Lancaster, capture the state capital and take Philadelphia. Their mission may have been a success if it weren’t for the unthinkable deed of a few Lancastrians.
On the night of June 28, 1863, a group of sharp-witted locals set fire to the covered bridge connecting York and Lancaster Counties, forcing Confederate troops to bypass the town entirely. This action, along with a series of other small events, is documented in history as the culmination of the Battle of Gettysburg three days later.
But what if that bridge was never burned? What if General John Reynolds, a Lancaster native, had to defend his hometown from Robert E. Lee’s approaching army? And what if the railroad, which was pivotal in moving troops and resources throughout the region, was seized by Confederate troops?
Civil War Days: The Summer of ‘63 is an immersive revival story that explores the fate of Lancaster and the Strasburg Rail Road if the bridge between York and Lancaster never burned. Guests are invited to buy tickets to board the train and watch hundreds of uniformed troops defend Lancaster in a series of battle vignettes that feature live encampments and cavalry and artillery demonstrations. Ticket holders aboard the train can view each battle separately or ride multiple times to see different portions of the fictional story unfold over the course of the day.
“Civil War encampments aren’t unique to our region, but very few of them have live skirmishes that feature cavalry and artillery demonstrations,” said Alicia Cerankowski, Strasburg Rail Road’s Stationmaster. “These elements help bring that history to life — and is, what we believe, is part of the reason last year’s event was such a success. It feels very real,” she continued.
Civil War Days: The Summer of ‘63 runs Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Tickets are required to ride the train and watch the battles. Those interested in the event can see the full schedule, and secure Day passes, First Class, Coach, or Dining Car tickets to view the reenactment at www.strasburgrailroad.com.
MEDIA: Contact Alicia Cerankowski at 717-687-8421 or SRRTrain@strasburgrailroad.com for. more information.
About Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road is a historic heritage railroad that offers visitors a unique and immersive journey into America’s rich railroad history. Chartered for passenger and freight services in June of 1832, Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continuously operating railroad in America.
Throughout the year the company offers a range of unique events — themed excursions, behind-the-scenes shop tours, and fine dining opportunities to name a few — that allow visitors to relive the era when steam locomotives dominated the rails of America.
For more information, train schedules, and ticket reservations, visit their website at www.strasburgrailroad.com, or reach them at 1-866-725-9666 or srrtrain@strasburgrailroad.com.