News

Southern Museum Throws a Birthday Bash for the General

October 19 , 2005

KENNESAW, Ga. – The world’s most famous locomotive, the General, will turn 150 years old November 5, and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw is throwing a party.

“We’re planning a variety of carnival-type games for children,” explained Jennifer Legates, director of education at the Southern Museum, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.  “We’ll have a ring toss, a bean bag toss, and a pin the tender on the General game.”

In addition, children will have the opportunity to play with wooden trains, climb on a play train, and construct a train out of candy in the Southern Museum’s special exhibits room.  “And of course we’ll have birthday cake and ice cream,” Legates said.

All games and activities are free with admission to the Southern Museum, which is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5.50 for children 4 – 12.  Children three and under are admitted free.

Families will enjoy reliving the exciting Great Locomotive Chase through the Southern Museum’s movie that recounts how Confederates recaptured the General after it was stolen by Union spies.

One of the most daring escapades of the Civil War, the chase was immortalized by the Buster Keaton movie, The General.  The Southern Museum will cap off the day-long celebration with 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.