The Great Locomotive Chase 
Original Western & Atlantic Railroad Track & Bond
 
The Great Locomotive Chase, also known as the Andrews Raid, was a daring mission during the American Civil War that took place on April 12, 1862. The mission was led by Union spy James J. Andrews, who had the goal of stealing a Confederate locomotive named the General and using it to destroy railroad tracks and bridges between Atlanta and Chattanooga. This would disrupt Confederate supply lines and hopefully contribute to the Union's victory in the war.
 
Andrews and his team of Union soldiers successfully boarded the General at the Marietta, Georgia station, but were soon pursued by the Confederate Army. The chase lasted for several hours and covered over 80 miles, with both sides making several attempts to derail the other. In the end, Andrews and his men were caught, and many of them were executed as spies.
 
The Great Locomotive Chase has become a legendary event in American history, with numerous books, films, and other media retelling the story. The Western & Atlantic Railroad track and bond played a crucial role in the chase, as it was the route that the General followed on its ill-fated journey. The track and bond were also important for the Union and Confederate armies, as they provided a crucial transportation link between Atlanta and Chattanooga.
 
Today, visitors can still see the Western & Atlantic Railroad track and bond, which have been preserved as part of the National Park Service's Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. The park offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits about the Civil War, including the Great Locomotive Chase. It remains an important piece of American history and a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought in the Civil War.