On April 12, 1862, civilian scout James J. Andrews and 22 Union volunteers slipped behind Confederate lines and seized the locomotive General in an audacious attempt to cripple Southern rail communications between Atlanta and Chattanooga. As they raced north, the raiders cut telegraph wires and damaged track while conductors William Fuller and Anthony Murphy launched a relentless pursuit by foot, handcar and locomotive. The chase covered nearly 90 miles and became one of the most dramatic episodes of the Civil War. Although the mission ultimately failed, the participants became known as Andrews’ Raiders, and many received some of the first Medals of Honor ever awarded.
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