THE PLANS THIS MAY for a re-enactment of a key part of Rome’s role in the Civil War will, to this point, be held in Cedar Bluff, Ala. That’s where it actually happened, of course, even though Union Col. Abel Streight’s “Mule Brigade” was heading for Rome to destroy as much as it could of an arsenal/railroad city (cannon manufacture, etc.) until foiled by Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s inferior forces, which used trickery to frighten the Yankees into surrender.

It should be a pretty good show, with about 400 or more re-enactors involved largely of the mounted variety.

This was actually, 150 years ago, the first “big deal” event involving Rome proper although no plans were mentioned to march the “captives” down Broad Street to the jeers of the citizenry, as then occurred. Still, it is good to at least see something happening to mark this region’s rather major role in the conflict. Perhaps the re-enactors will return to hold a “siege” of Rome that led to its rather quick capitulation in 1864.

One wishes that some sort of restaging of Rome being a major hospital city (for both sides) could also be attempted with re-enactments of the comparative primitive treatments then available.

The setting of all of downtown afire, pretty much burning it to the ground, as the Union forces did in departing on their March to the Sea is not recommended. Besides, the fire marshal wouldn’t allow it.