James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Hi Folks, I've been out traveling a bit...trying to find some interesting stuff to Photograph. I love historical stuff and Civil War stuff, so I've been down south in the Chattanooga area finding goodies. The image here is the Tunnel Hill GA Depot, named thus because of a nearby railroad tunnel on the Western and Atlantic rail line. In 1862 some Union Army Volunteers snuck down to Big Shanty GA (now Kennesaw) and commandeered a Confederate train called "The General". The plan was to run it North destroying as much of the railroad as they could on the way. At one time another Confederate Engine "The Texas" joined in on the pursuit to catch The General and thus the Great Train Race was born. The Texas was to far behind and they eventually gave up using it. The General momentarily stopped here at Tunnel Hill Depot to refuel with wood and water before continuing its Northbound rampage of destruction. A few miles down the line from Tunnel Hill just north of Ringgold GA, the General ran out of fuel and was abandoned just 18 miles south of it's destination Chattanooga. James J. Andrews, the master mind of this scheme was later captured, tried in Atlanta and was hung to death for his actions. Sorry about the sad ending. Still I enjoy finding places like this that are a part of our history.

Tunnel Hill Depot

(Download)

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Love the look...good job!

angela k Loc: Long Island

James, love the shot and your processing is spot on!!!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Several movies, including a silent classic featuring Buster Keaton, and a modern Disney version featuring Fess Parker, were made about the Great Locomotive Chase.

"The General" was preserved for many years in Chattanooga. At one time I had a newspaper clipping of then-governor Jimmie Carter welcoming the locomotive back to Georgia, when a federal court decided it belonged there {it is now on display in Kennesaw}

Some of Andrew's raiders were the first recipients of the newly-authorized Congressional Medal of Honor {Andrews was not eligible, because he was a civilian}

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you Kindly Mr. Bob...hope your doing Well.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

A tough one to get Angela...you see that truck (with lights on coming down the tracks). Well, that was a crew from the railroad and they told me to get off the right of way, the tracks and away from the building. Fortunately I got this shot first. They were just doing their job so I wasn't upset. But after traveling so far...I was so glad I got the shot.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yes, I read all this and that's why I chose to stop here to photograph this historic place. I wanted to go to Kennesaw, but alas...couldn't work it into the trip. Maybe next time in Georgia and can get photos of The General. Thanks for the info...others will appreciate it was did I.

angela k Loc: Long Island

LOL... we have to do whatever to get our shots in!! I'm just glad they didn't tie you to the RR tracks.... then along comes Jones!!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Excellent job on this one, James. Loved the image, and the accompanying history really brought it alive.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Great shot James...wasn't there a film made about this...I seem to remember as a kid I saw it...

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Geezzz, I know, I must have lucked out...

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thanks Randy...I had a blast tracking these old Civil War relics down. The town of Tunnel Hill plans to restore it, but as always...they're strapped for funds.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Thanks Ron, yes there was (read rehess's reply above). It was amazing for me to have found this old depot and it's history made it that more special

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

A superb pic, James, & thanks for the history lesson.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Fantastic composition, details and textures. Very engaging image, James!