Make some history this weekend.
For a day trip or a long weekend, see the history of Andrews' Raiders come alive at sites throughout Tennessee and Georgia.
On April 12, 1862—exactly one year after the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, started the American Civil War—a daring raid plunged Union operatives into the heart of the Confederacy in an effort disrupt transportation and communication lines. Andrews’ Raid ended disastrously but had several significant outcomes: surprising the Confederacy, inspiring the first presentations of the Medal of Honor, and sparking persistent adventure tales for Civil War memory and pop culture. Follow this itinerary to learn about the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, the Western & Atlantic railroad, and Civil War locomotive history.
From museums to preserved railway tunnels, these sites are perfect for those who want to learn more about one of the most thrilling events of the Civil War.
- Print or download your tour map.
- Start your tour at the Atlanta History Center. The museum is vast (with historic houses spread over 33 acres), and its collection covers many themes including art, horticulture, sports, women's history and more. Their military history exhibits are relevant to Andrews' Raiders, role of Atlanta during the Civil War, and Sherman's March to the Sea. You could spend a whole day here, or focus on the Civil War exhibits for half a day. The Atlanta History Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 pm, and you can buy tickets ahead of time.
- Visit the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The museum's centerpiece is the The General, a steam locomotive used during the Great Locomotive Chase, accompanied by an engaging exhibit. You can also see a full-scale reproduction of a belt-driven locomotive assembly line. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 - 5:00 pm, and you can book tickets in advance.
- Head up to the Western & Atlantic Passenger Depot, which is the present-day Marietta Welcome Center. The building is an 1898 train station, which sits on the same spot at the Western & Atlantic Passenger Depot from the Civil War. The Welcome Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, and you can pick up maps and brochures for self-guided tours around town.
- Visit the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center and Museum, where you can take a guided tour of the railroad tunnel that the Great Locomotive Chase passed through in 1862. Reservations are recommended for guided tours Monday through Saturday.
- The Clisby Austin House is also a part of the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center and Museum. The house, which was constructed in 1848 alongside the Western & Atlantic railroad tunnel, was used as an army field hospital during the Civil War. John Bell Hood and William T. Sherman even slept in the house during the Atlanta campaign.
- End your tour at Chattanooga National Cemetery, where Andrews and other executed raiders were eventually buried. The cemetery was established in December 1863 for the burial of Union soldiers killed in the battles around Chattanooga. Eight of Andrews' raiders are buried in the cemetery, four of whom were the first to receive the Medal of Honor. The cemetery is open to visitors every day from dawn to dusk.
Enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!
- Visit nearby a nearby battlefield at Chickamauga if you want even more Civil War history. Fought between September 18 - 20, 1863, the Confederate army secured a decisive victory at Chickamauga but lost 20 percent of its force in the battle. Visit the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center to see museum exhibits, orientation film, and bookstore. Check the park's calendar for ranger-guided tours and special events. You can also go hiking, biking, rock climbing, and paddling in the park.
- Visit the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in Chattanooga to see more than 40 world class sculptures displayed throughout a beautiful park. The park is free and open to the public every day from dusk to dawn.
- If you need to cool off, visit Six Flags White Water in Marietta, GA. With water rides for all ages, this is a perfect stop if you're traveling during the summer.