Adairsville in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Great Locomotive Chase
April 12, 1862: James J. Andrews led Union spies in an espionage scheme to destroy the Western & Atlantic Railroad and thus disrupt a vital supply line for the Confederacy. Andrews' Raiders stole a train, The General, 50 miles south of Adairsville at Big Shanty (Kennesaw) and sped north. Conductor William Fuller pursued Andrews, first by hand powered 'pole car', and then by commandeering The Texas, just south of Adairsville. With no time to turn the train around, Fuller chased the General with The Texas in reverse. At Adairsville, Fuller dropped freight cars and continued the chase with just the engine and tender. Due to Fuller's diligent pursuit, the train and spies were captured near Ringgold and major destruction of the railroad system was avoided. Those Union soldiers involved in "The Great Locomotive Chase' became the first recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Erected 2011.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1766.
Location. 34° 22.04′ N, 84° 56.101′ W. Marker is in Adairsville, Georgia, in Bartow County. Marker is on Public Square south of Wood Street, on the right when traveling south. Markers are located on the east side of the Adairsville Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Public Square, Adairsville GA 30103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Adairsville, Georgia (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe P. Bowdoin, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); Mosteller's Mills (approx. half a mile away); Johnston's Army at Adairsville (approx. half a mile away); Federal Armies at Adairsville (approx. half a mile away); Major John Lewis (approx. 1.2 miles away); Historic Trimble House (approx. 1.2 miles away); McPherson’s Troops March to Barnsley’s (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Adairsville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Additional commentary.
1. The terminus of the Great Locomotive Chase
The end of the chase is historically marked as well--about 2 miles north of Ringgold, Georgia, where the General ran out of fuel, and Andrews and his raiders took to foot (see related marker).
— Submitted July 25, 2016, by J. Finnell of Cleveland, Tennessee.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,105 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 7, 8. submitted on August 12, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.