Steam into History Hosts Civil War Weekend

By Bob Ruegsegger · Originally published December 2017 · p. 26

Confederates attack the train. The 35th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry led by Lt. Colonel Elijah White staged raids in Pennsylvania in order to cut Federal supply lines.

Visitors have been flocking to New Freedom, Penn. At Steam into History, they purchase tickets that allow them to experience railroad travel as it would have been during the Civil War. Pulled by a replica of an 1860’s era steam locomotive York, passengers learn firsthand about railroad history in the Keystone state as they travel a portion of the Northern Central Railway route.

Stephen Meola serves as the engineer of the William H. Simpson, a.k.a. York, he regards the steam locomotive as authentic to the time period. For Meola running the train is a joy. It’s something he’s always wanted to do. “I love locomotives from this era,” said Meola. “I love the size, the look, the style, everything. Each year Steam into History seems to get bigger and better. Last year the Civil War ball was added. This year’s Saturday evening featured a reception and a ball. The Susquehanna Travellers, a 19th century parlor band, provided the music. “We’re close to Gettysburg. We have a lot of people interested in reenactments,” said Debi

The York – William H. Simpson. (Photos by Bob Ruegsegger)

“This is our fifth season. We’ve been in business for about 4 ½ years,” said Alex Horneman, superintendent of operations. “So far, we’ve put over 80,000 passengers on board. We’re averaging about 17 to 20 thousand a year.” Steam into History’s Civil War weekend visitors and participants rode the rails between New Freedom and Glen Rock, a distance of five miles. The route is part of the same section of track that President Lincoln traveled on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address in November 1863. During other events, the train travels as far as Hanover Junction where President Lincoln stopped to meet Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin. Curtin was delayed in his arrival so Lincoln and his entourage continued on to Gettysburg without him. New Freedom to Hanover Junction is a distance of 18 miles. “We do a number of Civil War events, 1880’s cowboy events, and lots of 19th century historical reenactments,” noted Horneman. “With the train raids and ball, Civil War weekend is our pinnacle of the year.” Steam into History runs from March through the end of December. A mix of steam and diesel locomotives pull the passenger train. Federal regulations, according to Horneman, make it impractical to run the steam engine all the time. The steamer usually comes out around May 1. “It’s (steam locomotive) a lot of work. The old steamer requires a lot of maintenance both timewise and in terms of money,” said Horneman. We run weekends with the steamer all year and on selected week days depending upon what the event is,” he said. “The rest of the time we run with the diesel.”

The steam locomotive York is also known as the William H. Simpson to honor the man who donated the money to fund construction of the replica Civil War era locomotive. It is based on blueprints for Union Pacific replica engines. The York is oilfired rather than wood or coalfired. Recycled motor oil heats the boiler. “It was built in Elgin, Ill., by the Kioke Locomotive Works,” said Shawn Lupinacci, events coordinator. “We received it in June 2013. It took three years to build it and cost $2.5 million. It has a sister engine called the Leviathan.” Civil War weekend in New Freedom features an opportunity to ride the rails in 19th century style, attacks by Confederate raiders, and a gala ball on Saturday evening. The train, with the steam locomotive, runs four times on Saturday and three times on Sunday. Reb Scavone of the 35th Bn., Va. Cav. coordinates reenactors who stage raids on the train. Scavone of Freeland, Md., is also a member of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society. “We had a reenactment at Hanover Junction when the train first came into being,” said Scavone. “Unfortunately, the train broke down and wasn’t able to participate in it. We’ve been doing this ever since then—since 2013.”

The York – William H. Simpson – steams along the Railroad Heritage Trail with black smoking pouring from its stack.

Beshore, director of marketing and development. “What better thing to do than to have reenactments with the train and celebrate it for the weekend!” In the spring, Steam into History does a re-creation of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg train. The York looks identical to the Civil War locomotives in familiar period black and white photos. “Our locomotive of course, has the color, the red, and the brass, and the green,” said Beshore. “It’s just gorgeous.”