On April 12, 1862, during the Civil War, Union spies led by James J. Andrews stole a locomotive (the General) from Big Shanty, Ga., today known as Kennesaw. Their goal was to destroy the Western & Atlantic Railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tenn., and help bring about the end of the Civil War.
Their mission failed, but several of the men were among the first to receive the Medal of Honor. Today, the episode is remembered as the Andrews Raid or the Great Locomotive Chase.
Click here to read more about the General II, the Southeastern Railway Museum’s locomotive named in honor of the original General.
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