Georgia’s wildest train heist: The Great Locomotive Chase

In April 1862, Union soldiers disguised as civilians pulled off one of the boldest stunts of the Civil War: they stole a Confederate train called The General in Big Shanty (now Kennesaw), Georgia. Their goal? Sabotage rail lines and cripple Southern supply routes.

What followed was a thrilling, high-speed pursuit through North Georgia as Confederates chased them by foot, handcar and train. Though the Union raiders were eventually captured, their daring mission earned six of the volunteers the first-ever Medals of Honor. Today, you can see The General at the Southern Museum in Kennesaw and walk the rails of history.

– Rebecca Hastings, The Georgia 100