The Great Locomotive Chase

April 12, 1862-  Twenty Union raiders, commanded by Union spy Captain James J. Andrews, siezed a Confederate train in Marietta, GA.  The train was drawn by the engine "General".  The raiders raced north toward the Tennessee border.  In close pursuit, Confederates, led by Captain William A. Fuller, gave chase in a wood-burning locomotive - the "Texas".  Just south of the Tennessee border the Union raiders abandoned the General.  They were captured and  quickly sent to trial.  In June 1862, eight of the raiders, including Captain Andrews were hanged on a spot just north of Grant Park (marker on the corner of Memorial Drive and Park Avenue).  Eight of the raiders escaped.  The others were imprisoned.  (The National Medal of Honor was created to honor the Union raiders)

The "Texas" is on display at the Atlanta Cyclorama.  It began service in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad Company in Georgia and continued its service until 1907.  In 1911, it was scheduled to be scrapped and disassembled.  Public outcry saved the historic engine when the city of Atlanta purchased the "Texas" and placed it on display at Ft. Walker.  It was later moved to the Cyclorama. The engine "General" is now on display at the Big Shanty Museum in Kennesaw, GA.