There may have been instances where Union troops camped in the area. After the battle of Whistler (at the bridge on Eight Mile Creek) the Union forces spent time at the Eight Mile Station area (Shelton Beach and Station street) destroying or confiscating mills and manufacturing establishments. The Confederates may have camped in this area as well, gathering for the battle at the creek. Cavalry bivouacked on a constant basis and much of the forces in the area in 1865 were cavalry. I am not surprised that you are finding artifacts near the railroad. The railroads were constantly patrolled and guarded, Eight Mile would have been an important point. Also I would not be surprised if you found artifacts from the War of 1812 here. Andrew Jackson's army marched through here in 1814 on their way to New Orleans and that very important battle.