CANTON -- The Civil War saw the first use of railroads in warfare, both as weapons and in providing support to and movement for troops. At the same time, locomotives had vulnerabilities: the crew could be picked off by sharpshooters and the tracks could be destroyed.

During the war, both the Union and Confederacy were continually building, repairing, and destroying rail lines for strategic purposes.

Learn more about Civil War railroads from St. Lawrence County to Virginia when Kenny Friedel speaks at the next North Country Civil War Round Table on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Silas Wright House, 3 East Main St.

Friedel has spent most of his extra time over the years reading about railroads. Some consider it a bit strange, but his hobby has taken him further than he ever planned to go. He is a member of the Norwood Model Railroad Club, Adirondack Live Steamers, and the Empire State Rail Passengers Association, and supporter of Save the Rails and Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Visitors who own items with Civil War provenance are encouraged to bring them to the event for a “show and tell” session before the talk.

The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is a membership organization open to anyone interested in St. Lawrence County history.

For more information or to become a member, call 386-8133 or e-mail info@slcha.org.