The Great Locomotive Chase: A Thrilling True Story of Courage, Determination, and the First Medal of Honor

The Great Locomotive Chase was a daring raid by Union spies during the American Civil War. Their mission was to steal a Confederate train and disrupt the South's supply lines. The raid was a success, but not without its casualties. Several of the raiders were captured and executed, while others were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States.

The Planning

The Great Locomotive Chase was the brainchild of James J. Andrews, a former railroad conductor from Kentucky. Andrews had joined the Union Army after the outbreak of the Civil War and was soon recruited by the U.S. Secret Service to lead a team of spies into Confederate territory.

Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor

by Russell S. Bonds

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2931 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages

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Andrews' plan was to capture a Confederate train and use it to transport his team deep into enemy territory. From there, they would destroy bridges and railroads, disrupting the South's supply lines and communications.

Andrews' team consisted of 22 men, all of whom were volunteers. They were a diverse group, including railroad engineers, mechanics, and even a few former Confederate soldiers who had switched sides.

The Raid

On April 12, 1862, Andrews and his team boarded a Confederate train in Big Shanty, Georgia. They quickly overpowered the crew and took control of the locomotive, the General.

The raiders then set out on their mission, traveling north along the Western & Atlantic Railroad. They planned to stop at several key points along the way to cut telegraph lines and destroy bridges.

However, the raiders' plans were soon discovered. A Confederate telegraph operator managed to send a message to the next station down the line, warning them of the raiders' approach.

The Pursuit

As the raiders continued their journey, they were pursued by Confederate troops. The Confederates were determined to stop the raiders and recapture the General.

The chase lasted for over 100 miles. The raiders were able to stay ahead of their pursuers for a time, but they were eventually forced to abandon the General and flee into the woods.

The Aftermath

The Great Locomotive Chase was a failure in terms of its military objectives. The raiders were not able to destroy any bridges or railroads, and they were eventually captured.

However, the raid was a success in terms of its propaganda value. The story of the raiders' daring and courage inspired the North and helped to boost morale.

In addition, the raid led to the establishment of the Medal of Honor. President Abraham Lincoln awarded the medal to 19 of the raiders, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice.

The Legacy

The Great Locomotive Chase is still remembered today as one of the most daring raids in American history. It is a story of courage, determination, and sacrifice.

The raid also played a role in the development of the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States. The medal is awarded to members of the armed forces who have distinguished themselves through acts of valor and gallantry.

Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor

by Russell S. Bonds

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2931 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages

FREE