Shohola Train Wreck

[RJNorton]

Many thanks to Rich Smyth for sending this information and image:

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"There is an old church sitting on a knoll overlooking the Delaware River in Barryville, New York. No longer a religious sanctuary it is now a private residence. Behind the church is a small graveyard with no more than 50 stones. Sitting together along one edge are two markers decorated with the Confederate stars and bars flags.

A little over 153 years ago a train headed north carrying prisoners collided with a southbound coal train at a blind curve just outside of the Pennsylvania town of Shohola directly across the river from Barryville. The dead were hastily buried alongside the wreck between the tracks and the river. Survivors were taken in and cared for by locals. After their passing, these two soldiers were given a proper burial.

You can visit the burial ground. The last time I was there it was a steep rutted road. You may wish to park at the bottom and walk up. If you would like to visit the site of the wreck, walk north along the tracks about a mile from the little town of Shohola. Take the picture with you for reference as there are many similar looking spots on the way. The graves of the dead buried along the river have long since been washed away."