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.
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