Chasing Georgia's Great Locomotive Chase -- 122 Years Later

April 12 marks the anniversary of The Great Locomotive Chase, an epic Civil War era true story that includes trains, spies, bravery and the first Medals of Honor in US history. We went "chasing the chase," and following is part of what we found.

The Great Locomotive Chase of 1862 began in Kennesaw, and continues on in stories, film, song and legend. We chased "The Chase."Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

For the full story, visit our blog, OurTravelCafe.com, where you'll find the full story of our chase, plus nearly 100 other posts about explorations in Georgia, the Southeastern United States and beyond.

For those not familiar with the Great Locomotive Chase story, here's the summary. Union Army volunteers posing as civilians and under the command of James J. Andrews, hijacked a train in Kennesaw with the intention of sabotaging Confederate supply lines. Known at the time as the Andrews Raid, the plan was to disrupt vital communication and destroy essential railway supply tracks leading to Atlanta -- the heart of the South's manufacturing and railway lines. However, their scheme quickly unraveled when conductor William Fuller and engineer Jeff Cain, of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, pursued them on foot and by handcar, eventually commandeering another locomotive, the Texas, to chase down the fleeing Union operatives.

The ensuing chase stretched over 87 miles, with Andrews and his men desperately trying to maintain their lead while destroying track and telegraph lines behind them. Despite their efforts, they were eventually captured by Confederate forces, and most of the raiders were executed as spies.

On the second story of the Marietta History Museum, a mannequin represents Col. James J. Andrews, the Union leader of the train's hijacking.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

The most visible and visited commemoration of the chase is preserved in Kennesaw, GA, where the Southern Museum houses the stolen locomotive, The General, that started the adventure.

Since the train's hijacking in 1862, lots of lore and links have developed. Some of the most notable include:

• US Medal of Honor. A total of 19 Union soldiers received the US Medal of Honor for their part in the historic raid. These were the first Medals of Honor in US history. Find more in our blog.

• Multiple Books. The best account is found in "Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor,” by Marietta resident Russel S. Bonds in 2006." Bonds' book was selected by Civil War Interactive as "one of the top Civil War books of all time. Pro tip: You can get the book cheapest at the Marietta History museum.
• A Slapstick Silent Movie. Film legend Buster Keaton directed and starred in the 1926 feature film, The General.
• A Disney Movie. This 1956 Hollywood version, starring Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter, portrays the historic story made by the Walt Disney Company. Major portions were filmed near Clayton and Tallulah Falls, GA.
• Community Festivals. Both Adairsville, GA, and Cartersville, GA, celebrate Great Locomotive Chase festivals. But both festivals are held in October, not during April when the chase occurred.

An extended account of this history journey is available at OurTravelCafe.com/chase, where some of the included links may contain advertising where the website or author may receive payments.

More Georgia History from DeanLand

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