Saturday, September 20, the Martin County Historical Museum will host a special Civil War remembrance day, highlighting the little-known story of an 1861 train wreck in Martin County that claimed the lives of 28 soldiers from the 19th Illinois Infantry Regiment. Local historian Taylin Allen of the Martin County Historical Society will share the history of the tragedy, which occurred on September 17, 1861, when a troop train crashed over a bridge at Beaver Creek near Shoals. The event left dozens dead or injured and deeply impacted both Martin County and the soldiers’ hometown of Galena, Illinois. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 20th at the Martin County Museum. Activities include Civil War reenactor camps, historical presentations about Abraham Lincoln’s early years in Indiana, and portrayals of President Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. At 2 p.m., a monument honoring the fallen soldiers will be dedicated, featuring a ceremony with reenactors and a three-volley salute. The event is free and open to the public. Taylin Allen will give all the details this Sunday morning on Gettin’ in the Know with Greg Bateman, on the Razor 94.5.
