News

225+ Party at General’s Birthday Bash

November 5 , 2005

The world’s most famous locomotive, the General, turned 150 years old November 5, at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw.

Two hundred and twenty-five people, young and old, partied with the General throughout the day, tossing rings and bean bags and “pinning the tender” on the General. Cake and ice cream were served during the Museum’s movie, where families relived the exciting Great Locomotive Chase – when Confederates recaptured the General after it was stolen by Union spies.

Younger kids had a blast playing with wooden trains, climbing on a play train, and constructing a train out of candy in the Southern Museum’s special exhibits room.

One of the most daring escapades of the Civil War, the chase was immortalized by the Buster Keaton movie, The General. Later in the evening, 50 adults and children capped off the day-long celebration during a free screening of The General in its theatre from 6 – 8 PM.

The Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.