The Great Locomotive Chase – The Andrews Raid
JEFFERSON- The Historic Jefferson Railway captures the spirit of the Civil War during Pilgrimage & Civil War Weekend in Jefferson, May 4 and 5, 2013, by telling the story of the Great Locomotive Chase and reenacting the event with soldiers from the North and South. The living history camps along the Big Cypress Bayou come alive as the cannons fire and the battle rages to gain possession of the train. The gripping tale of The Andrews Raid is the Civil War’s most fascinating railroad story.
During the Civil War, famous campaigns were planned and conducted for the primary purpose of capturing or destroying railroad lines of value to the enemy. On the morning of April 12, 1862, the most famous locomotive of the Civil War, the General, was hijacked by the Union civilian spy, James J. Andrews, and his men. After a nail-biting eight hours and 87 miles, the Southerners captured the General, James Andrews and several of his men.
Take a step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway takes you on an excursion that circles the Piney Woods along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou. You’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine from the Civil War era and remains of many sites from the 1880’s still visible along the track. The antique train is a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive built in 1964. The open-canopied observation cars provide an excellent view of this exciting event along the river.
The Great Locomotive Chase will be held on Saturday, May 4, with trains departing from the Historic Jefferson Railway in downtown Jefferson at 12:30, 2:30 and 6:30 and Sunday, May 5 at 11:30.
On Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, Civil-War themed Ghost Stories will take place at the Historic “haunted” Depot. And best of all, it is FREE. Then jump on the Civil War Ghost Train at 9:00 p.m. to discover the haunts of the Civil War and enjoy the living history camps along the track. The trip takes you deep into the dark Piney Woods of East Texas. Listen to the narrator tell Civil War ghost stories while you keep an eye out for paranormal activity.
Historic Jefferson Railway is located at 400 E. Austin, Jefferson, TX. For more information, contact[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, visit JeffersonRailway.com<http://JeffersonRailway.com>, or call 866-398-2038.
May 3, 4 & 5, 2013
Adults $15, Children 3-12, $12
Children under 3, free; sales tax in addition to all fares
Active Military & Seniors receive 10% discount
Friday
Depot opens at 6:00 pm
Free Ghost Stories at 8:00 pm
Ghost Train at 9:00 pm
Saturday
Depot opens at 10:00 am
Train departs at 12:30, 2:30 & 6:30
Ghost Stories at 8:00 pm
Ghost Train at 9:00 pm
Sunday
Depot opens at 9:00 am
Train departs at 11:30