News

Local Civil War Author Signs at the Southern Museum

09/22/06

KENNESAW, GA –The exhilarating historic account of the Great Locomotive Chase is now portrayed in the new book, Stealing the General: The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor.

On October 21, the public is invited to revisit one of the most famous episodes of the Civil War and meet the book’s author, local resident Russell S. Bonds, at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. He will be giving an enlightening lecture and will be available immediately following to sign copies of his book, just steps away from where the famous chase began.

“We are delighted to have Mr. Bonds visit the Museum and eager to hear some excerpts from his new book,” says Jeff Drobney, Kennesaw director of recreation and culture.

The book narrates the exciting escapade of April 12, 1862, when a band of Union spies crossed Confederate lines and cleverly stole the locomotive, the General, as passengers and crew were eating breakfast during the stop at Big Shanty (now known as Kennesaw). Confederate Conductor William Fuller quickly responded, chasing and stopping the spies before they could destroy critical supply lines.

The book will be featured nationally at Barnes & Noble and Borders, where it has been selected as one of Border’s prestigious “Original Voices”. In addition, Stealing the General has been chosen by the Book-of-the-Month Club, the History Book Club, and the Military Book Club.

This exciting event is free with Museum admission and will take place on October 21 at 2 pm.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, 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; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

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.