Next summer (2011) is the 150th Anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas. This anniversary is a big deal for Virginia tourism and there will be a lot of events related to this occasion. I believe First Manassas (also known as the First Battle of Bull Run) was the first time in history that troops were moved by train to a battle front. General Johnston’s troops arriving by train from Piedmont (now Delaplane) on the Manassas Gap Railroad (now NS b-line) turned the tide of the battle in favor of the South.
Since it’s the right style, I’d love to see the Leviathan pull a train for a reenactment as part of the festivities. Or even though it’s not quite old enough, it would be great to see the Southern 4501 pulling a train on her 100th birthday to coincide with the 150th Anniversary. Most people wouldn’t notice that 4501 is about 50 years too modern. A steam powered excursion with Civil War reenactors boarding the train at Delaplane and onboard historical interpreters could be a very educational opportunity for the public to learn about U.S. history and railroading.
Hopefully this is an idea that can gain traction now the Norfolk Southern has started their 21st Century Steam program.
The concept need not be limited to the Confederate use of railroads and this specific battle. Another key moment in the Civil War was when General Grant used the railroad to resupply his starving men after the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, which enabled the Union to break the siege and paved the way for General Sherman’s March to the Sea.
See Also: Railroads in the Civil War
Additionally, there is a new book out on railroads in the Civil War. I haven’t read it yet, but it looks good: