At a Glance
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The General is an American-type (4-4-0) steam locomotive built in December 1855 by Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor (construction No. 631). Purchased by the state-owned Western & Atlantic Railroad, it became one of the best-known locomotives in U.S. railroad history due to its role in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War associations and its later preservation.
At 6 a.m. on April 12, 1862, the General steamed into Big Shanty (today Kennesaw).
Passengers disembarked and headed to the Lacy Hotel for a 25-cent breakfast that included ham, waffles, grits, gravy, fried chicken, coffee, fresh vegetables, biscuits, and flapjacks with sorghum syrup. George Lacy began leasing the house in 1859 or 1860, giving it the name it is remembered for. While there, a group of Union spies stole the General locomotive and three empty box cars.
Quick Facts
- Builder: Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor Locomotive Works
- Completed: December 1855
- Wheel arrangement: 4-4-0 (“American”)
- Drivers: 62 in
- Cylinders: 15 in × 22 in stroke
- Tractive effort: 8,500 lb
- Length (engine + tender): 50 ft 10¼ in
- Owner: State of Georgia
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