Episode 31: The Great Locomotive Chase

The United States Civil War is a never-ending source of tales of bravery, valor, and danger. But few stories capture the spirit of the battle quite like the Great Locomotive Chase. In this episode of Smarticus Tells History, we explore the strangest locomotive heist that ever was. Led by a civilian spy, a group of Union volunteers commandeered a locomotive engine to destroy the rail lines between Atlanta and Chattanooga. If successful, the raid would have successfully mangled the Confederacy’s supply lines beyond repair. But the raiders were wholly unprepared for the speed and determination of one slighted locomotive conductor, who single-handedly foiled their plot. The men who attempted this incredible feat were awarded with the first ever Medals of Honor.

Highlights: 

The Great Locomotive Chase in 1863 ended in failure, but its brave participants earned the first Medals of Honor. Highlights include: 

• A look at the strategy of Brigadier General Mitchel in capturing Huntsville and Chattanooga, and the challenged presented by southern railroad lines.
• The man who presented the solution, a mysterious civilian spy names James J. Andrews
• The soggy push toward rendezvous in Marietta that caused Andrews and his men to fall behind schedule.
• The successful first moment of the Great Locomotive Chase, in which Andrews and his men steal a locomotive in full view of Confederate sentries and a dining room full of civilians.
• The unbelievable tenacity of locomotive conductor William Fuller, who chased Andrews and his men first on foot, then using three different commandeered locomotives. 
• The order by Andrews to abandon the plan, and the fate that awaited the raiders as they plunged into the wilderness of the Confederate south. 
• The awarding of the first ever Medal of Honor. 
• Walt Disney made a movie of Andrews’ exploits in 1956 called The Great Locomotive Chase starring Fess Parker as Andrews
• Buster Keaton’s 1927 movie, The General was loosely based on the incident.

Links: 
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