The Great Locomotive Chase, also known as Andrews' Raid, was an audacious Union operation aimed at disrupting Confederate supply lines during the American Civil War. Led by civilian scout James J. Andrews, a band of 24 Union spies and soldiers set out from Big Shanty, Georgia, on April 12, 1862. Their mission was to steal a Confederate locomotive known as The General and use it to create havoc on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. After successfully commandeering the train, they intended to destroy vital railroad infrastructure as they made their way north to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Andrews and his men initially overcame the train’s crew and had some success, managing to take the locomotive and several cars with them. However, their plans began to unravel due to a series of misfortunes, including the presence of Confederate reinforcements and mechanical issues. The chase became one of desperate measures and narrow escapes as they attempted to avoid capture while traveling through enemy territory. The Confederates, upon realizing the theft, quickly mobilized forces, giving rise to a dramatic chase that spanned about 87 miles.

The pursuit culminated when the raiders abandoned The General after running out of fuel and being overtaken by pursuing Confederate forces. Andrews and several of his men were captured and faced execution, while others managed to escape. The Great Locomotive Chase entered folklore as a story of bravery and daring and had significant implications for both sides regarding railroad warfare’s role in the Civil War.