Kennesaw in Cobb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The General
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
1. The General Marker
This is the original locomotive made famous by its participation in the Andrews Raid of April 12, 1862.
It was stolen by the Northern raiders who tried unsuccessfully to wreck the Confederate supply line between Atlanta, Ga., and Chattanooga, Tenn., and recovered by the Southern crew after an 86-mile chase that has been the subject of books and motion pictures.
This incident, called the most dramatic episode of the Civil War, led to awards of the first Congressional Medals of Honor to the men who stole the General.
The locomotive, built in 1855 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, was restored by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1961 to make a series of tours under its own power commemorating the Civil War Centennial.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 12, 1862.
Location. 34° 1.41′ N, 84° 36.854′ W. Marker is in Kennesaw, Georgia, in Cobb County. Marker is on Cherokee Street just east of North Main Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Big Shanty (within shouting distance of this marker); The Andrews Raid (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stewart's Corps at Big Shanty (about 300 feet away); Site - Lacy Hotel (about 300 feet away); Locomotive "General" (about 300 feet away); William A. Fuller (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Federal Occupation of Big Shanty (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kennesaw.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Museum website homepage: "The General" is the museum centerpiece. (Submitted on September 27, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. The General. Wikipedia entry:
a detailed story of the theft of The General and the ensuing locomotive chase. (Submitted on September 27, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
3. The General. Wikipedia entry:
1926 motion picture directed and starring Buster Keaton. “Consistently ranked among the greatest films
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
2. The General Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
3. The General Marker
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History is in the background.
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
4. The General Marker
Looking west on Cherokee Street toward the railroad tracks and Main Street, the intersection at the traffic light. A small park with several markers relating to the theft of the General is just across the railroad tracks.
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
5. The General Marker
Looking across Cherokee Street at the railroad depot.
Photographed By David Seibert, March 22, 2008
6. The General Marker
The orientation of the marker has changed 90 degrees since it was originally installed. Cherokee Street is on the right.
Photographed By Wikipedia
7. The General
The General on display in Chattanooga, Tennessee circa 1907.
Photographed By Harvey Henkelmann / Wikipedia Commons
8. The General Today
At the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia, only a few yards from where it was stolen in 1862.
Photographed By David Seibert, September 25, 2011
9. Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
The General is the centerpiece of the museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,185 times since then and 111 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week April 20, 2014. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 26, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
