Substack

In the decade before the Civil War, Clarksville was a quiet city. Firing up one of the railroad’s locomotives caused a real sensation.

I’ve decided to rebrand the series of talks I’m giving the rest of the year.

Click here to listen.

In October 1967, Georgia officials sued Chattanooga in federal court. Shortly thereafter, U.S. District Judge Frank Wilson ordered federal marshals to take responsibility for protecting The General, relieving Hamilton County Sheriff Frank Newell of the responsibility.

When the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway leased the Western & Atlantic Railroad in 1890, the railroad took possession of the General locomotive.

While the Georgian’s early years were successful, after about a decade, the train saw a decrease in ridership.