News Features

Looking For A Weekend Getaway?

A Trip to Kennesaw
 By Adrian Newby

   A short while back, we went for a road trip; on that road trip we saw lots of things, but one highlight was the small town of Kennesaw, Georgia, and its main attraction, the “Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History”. The museum covers the history of the town of Kennesaw as well as the rest of the region, as well as the history of the Civil War. The big draw, however, is that this museum is the home of the famed “General” from the Great Locomotive Chase. Yes, the REAL engine from that famed Civil War story.
   Housed in the final room of the museum, you will find an exhibit dedicated to the Great Locomotive Chase. They have an expansive exhibit with an incredible variety of artifacts and memorabilia. They have a pocket watch owned by William Fuller, the man who pursued his stolen train on foot and saved his railroad from sabotage; a sword owned by William Reddick, who was one of the raiders who helped steal Fuller’s train; an original script for Walt Disney’s “The Great Locomotive Chase” film; original costumes from the movie; and of course, one 170 year-old Steam Engine.
   After walking through the museum for several hours, entering the final room to see this legendary locomotive was quite powerful. We grew up watching the Disney adaptation of this famous story, so getting to see the actual engine from the real historic event was incredible. What was even more incredible was the amount of respect the men on either side of the chase had for each other. The museum had displays that discussed the relationships of the raiders and Fuller after the war, and even had a photo of them together at the memorial for the fallen raiders.
   Along with the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, Kennesaw has one more claim to fame; the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. With over twenty-five miles of hiking paths, a visitor center, and seven monuments, Kennesaw Mountain has plenty to fill a day with.
   We had a good time in Kennesaw, and it would make for a great three-day weekend. The drive is manageable one way, only six hours away from Umatilla. We are sure that if you wanted, you could find more things to visit along the way; but just for the record, it’s nice to get as much time as possible in little towns in new places, and good museums can always teach you something.