Over 150 years ago in the heart of Georgia, one of the greatest and most historical train robberies took place. While the robbery wasn’t intentional in terms of stealing money, there was a much bigger plan involved, one that aimed to take out Confederate forces in the South. In case you haven’t heard this tale before, get ready for one of the greatest locomotive chases in United States history.
In 1862, the only locomotive chase in Civil War history, and one of the greatest locomotive chases of all times occurred through our great state of Georgia.
Flickr Kevin Trotman
While only lasting about 7 hours, the details of this historic locomotive chase will never be forgotten.
Flickr Kevin Trotman
Union General Ormsby Mitchel accepted the offer of a civilian spy, James J. Andrews to lead a raid behind Confederate lines into Atlanta.
georgiaencyclopedia.org
This raid was to consist of stealing a train, running the train northbound, destroying the track, plus bridges and telegraph lines along the way.
Flickr Kevin Trotman
The purpose behind the entire raid was to catastrophically destroy the Western and Atlantic Railroads, which were supplying Confederate forces in Chattanooga.
Flickr Matthew Nichols
While Andrews and his men covertly boarded the train in Big Shanty (now known as Kennesaw), they uncoupled many of the cars and took the locomotive known as General.
The pursuit was immediate, as three railroad men saw Andrews take the General and three empty boxcars.
Wikipedia
For the next seven hours and almost 90 miles, the locomotive chase continued, as those pursuing Andrews and his men grabbed their own locomotive in Etowah.
Flickr Stephen Rahn
The train theives attempted to burn a bridge near Resaca, but it was no use—the General couldn’t go on.
Flickr Jack Russel Terror
The Confederates eventually rounded up Andrews and 8 of his men who were tried as spies and executed in Atlanta.
Flickr Jason Riedy
For those looking for a real-life version of events regarding the General and the great locomotive chase, visiting the Southern Museum in Kennesaw will surely be a delight. You can use the address below to guide you:
Flickr Kevin Trotman
georgiaencyclopedia.org
Flickr Matthew Nichols
Wikipedia
Flickr Stephen Rahn
Flickr Jack Russel Terror
Flickr Jason Riedy
2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw, Georgia
Otherwise, if you’re ready for more pieces of Georgia history, then take a look at The Classically Rich City In Georgia That Falls Under The Radar Every Tourist Season.
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