Adairsville in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Great Locomotive Chase
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
1. The Great Locomotive Chase Marker
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
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
2. The Great Locomotive Chase Marker
(Green Arrow) location of marker on the Adairsville Depot
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). Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted July 25, 2016, by J. Finnell of Cleveland, Tennessee.
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
3. Adairsville Depot
Looking north up the Western & Atlantic railway
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
4. Adairsville Depot
Looking South
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
5. The Great Locomotive Chase Mural
Notice 'The Texas' chasing 'The General' in reverse.
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 23, 2011
6. Mural Plate
Mural plate next to the Great Locomotive Chase mural
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, November 7, 2008
7. The Texas Locomotive
Visit the Atlanta Cyclorama to see 'The Texas'
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, January 3, 2012
8. The General Locomotive
Visit the Southern Museum of Civil War Locomotive History to see 'The General'
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 1,894 times since then and 88 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.
