Battle of Newton Station

CSA: Battle at Newton Station – April 24th 1863! (1.7.2026)

Although I am no fan of the right-wing (racist) actor – John Wayne – the 1959 film entitled “The Horse Soldiers” covers the so-called “Battle at Newton Station” which unfolded on April 24th, 1863 – and took place in Mississippi. This involved the penetration of the South in the Western Theatre by Col. Benjamin Grierson (1826-1911) and his Union Cavalry Unit. The idea was to commit acts of terrorism and sabotage toward the CSA and its train network – so that it could not easily transport troops and supplies around the country. As Cavalry acted as a light and highly mobile infantry – these troops often turned-out to be highly effective in this role. The clip I have added above is from the film “The Horse Soldiers” and depicts Confederate troops arriving by train at the station and launching what they thought to be a surprise attack. From what records survive, it is said that the CSA lost around 25 men – but this number could have been higher. I am told that Confederate charges like this – from trains – did take place on more than one occasion. 

A passenger of an international passenger train from Dandong of China to Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrives in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, March 12, 2026.

DPRK-China: International Passenger Train Ressumes & Arrives in Pyongyang! (13.3.2026)

Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun, some other Chinese diplomats, and an official in charge of external affairs at the DPRK railway ministry came to the platform of the station to greet the passengers arriving on the train.

Extending a warm welcome, Wang described the resumption of the rail link as “a good development the peoples from both countries have been looking forward to and a significant event in bilateral relations.”

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK would begin operating in both directions on Thursday.

The services will connect Beijing and Dandong with Pyongyang, helping facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said.