The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is a
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Smithsonian affiliate located just north of Atlanta in Kennesaw,
Georgia. The significance of Kennesaw in Civil War
history is notable on several fronts. Not only is
Kennesaw the site of one of the most savage battles of the war between the
states, and home of a massive National battlefield cemetery, it (Big Shanty
Station) is also the beginning point for what would eventually become famously
(or infamously, depending on loyalties) known as the Great Locomotive Chase. The
key subject of the action-filled story is housed here at the Southern Museum.
Let me explain...On April 12, 1862, a small band of rough-cut northern spies led by a civilian
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northern scout (secret service?) by the name of James J. Andrews,
boldly stole a train in plain sight of the southern
army. Their objective was to push north to Chattanooga, cutting telegraph lines
and destroying track and bridges along the way. Their ultimate goal was to cut
off supply lines and communication between Atlanta and Southern Troops in
Tennessee. Unfortunately for the spies, a single enthusiastic train conductor
named William Allen
Fuller would have nothing to do with his train being stolen by a bunch of
Yankee spies. He set out on foot to chase his train, the
General,
until he got it back. Mr. Fuller's resolve proved to be
more than "Andrew's Raiders" expected, and the train was captured near Ringgold,
Georgia, remarkably near the spy's destination. Some of the northern spies were
captured and some
escaped to return home. The Union survivors were awarded the very
first Congressional Medals of Honor.In 1956, the Great Locomotive Chase adventure was made into a Disney film starring Fess Parker, an actor who later (1964) became the star of the popular TV series Daniel Boone. Rebecca and I were young children during that time period, and Fess Parker was a star to us. So, when I first saw The Great Locomotive Chase at camp at the ripe old age of 9, it was a immediate hit.
Ok, sorry about the tangent, but the point is, the steam engine named The General, the real star of "The Great Locomotive Chase," is here in all its glory. Yes, the original, 200-year-old locomotive is displayed here at the Southern Museum. Also, an abbreviated 20 minute film tells the Great Locomotive Chase story in the museum's theater, and the full length Disney DVD is available for purchase in the museum's gift shop.
Now, I don't want to neglect the rest of the
museum because
there is much more here. The Southern Museum
features many displays portraying life of the soldiers of the Civil war, both
northern and southern. Most displays are static: pictures, clothing, eating
utensils, and weapons. Additionally, the museum has a series of displays
portraying the manufacture of train engines by the Glover Machine Works during
the time period. This is a really cool display showing the processes of
engineering, machining, casting, and manufacturing.
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there is much more here. The Southern Museum
features many displays portraying life of the soldiers of the Civil war, both
northern and southern. Most displays are static: pictures, clothing, eating
utensils, and weapons. Additionally, the museum has a series of displays
portraying the manufacture of train engines by the Glover Machine Works during
the time period. This is a really cool display showing the processes of
engineering, machining, casting, and manufacturing.
For the children:
While much of the museum is targeted at adults, there is a portion of theSouthern Museum dedicated to children. There are displays of historical significance that encourage children to role play (dress-up). There is also a full-size model
of an engine in which children can experience the thrill of piloting
a train. Additionally, the museum is adjacent to a very nice playground, a sure
cure for childish boredom.
In summary, the Southern Museum is a must-see for adventurous families. Much of the static portions of the museum are not the most exciting places for small kids, but there are plenty of distractions to help keep them occupied. We really recommend the purchase of Disney's Great Locomotive Chase DVD in the museum's gift shop. It's well worth it!
While in the Kennesaw area, we suggest a short drive up to Cartersville to visit the Tellus Science Museum, the Booth Western Art Museum, and the Etowah Indian Mounds. If camping and recreation are what's on your mind, check out Red Top Mountain State Park and McKinney Campground on nearby Lake Allatoona.
While much of the museum is targeted at adults, there is a portion of theSouthern Museum dedicated to children. There are displays of historical significance that encourage children to role play (dress-up). There is also a full-size model
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of an engine in which children can experience the thrill of piloting
a train. Additionally, the museum is adjacent to a very nice playground, a sure
cure for childish boredom.In summary, the Southern Museum is a must-see for adventurous families. Much of the static portions of the museum are not the most exciting places for small kids, but there are plenty of distractions to help keep them occupied. We really recommend the purchase of Disney's Great Locomotive Chase DVD in the museum's gift shop. It's well worth it!
While in the Kennesaw area, we suggest a short drive up to Cartersville to visit the Tellus Science Museum, the Booth Western Art Museum, and the Etowah Indian Mounds. If camping and recreation are what's on your mind, check out Red Top Mountain State Park and McKinney Campground on nearby Lake Allatoona.
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