The Andrews Raid
About 6 A.M., April 12, 1862, a Federal spy & contraband merchant, James J. Andrews, of Ky., together with 18 soldiers & one civilian of Ohio, seized the locomotive "General", & three box cars while the train-crew & passengers were breakfasting at the Lacy Hotel.
Intending to sabotage the State R. R. between Atlanta & Chattanooga, the raiders steamed N. to destroy track & burn bridges.
They were foiled in this attempt by the persistent pursuit of Capt. W. A. Fuller, Conductor of the train: Jeff Cain, Fireman; & Anthony Murphy, of the Atlanta R. R. shops, after a chase of eight-seven miles.
033-42 GEORGIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1954
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.