The Most Daring Raid of the Civil War: The Great Locomotive Chase (The Most Daring Raids in History)

The book 'The Most Daring Raid of the Civil War: The Great Locomotive Chase' by Gordon L. Rottman recounts the true story of an extraordinary event during the American Civil War known as The Great Locomotive Chase or Andrews' Raid. It took place on April 12, 1862, when a group of Union soldiers, led by civilian scout James J. Andrews, stole a Confederate train named The General in an audacious attempt to disrupt the vital Western & Atlantic Railroad. Their plan was to destroy tracks, bridges, and telegraph lines to isolate Chattanooga from Atlanta and hamper Confederate troop movements and supply lines. The raiders were pursued by Confederate forces, led by the tenacious conductor William A. Fuller, who chased the stolen locomotive on foot, by handcar, and eventually by another train, The Texas. Despite their daring efforts, the raiders were eventually captured, with some executed as spies and others imprisoned. The event is notable for its boldness and the significant impact it had on military tactics and rail transportation security during the war. Rottman's book delves into the details of the raid, the personalities involved, and the broader context of the Civil War, providing a comprehensive account of one of the most thrilling episodes of American history.