Western & Atlantic RR 4-4-0 No. 3
Kennesaw, Georgia, United States 		Location: Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Status: Display
Related Notes
Photo Copyright © Jeff Terry
Here are the notes for Western & Atlantic RR No. 3, a 4-4-0 located in Kennesaw, GA. If you have additional information about this locomotive, and would like to share it, click the Add Note button.
Posted: May 23, 2018 @ 16:05:30 by Alan Walker
The locomotive General is somewhat unique in that it was one of the few locomotives to burn each of the major fuel types used by steam locomotives (wood, coal and oil). It was initially built as a wood burner and converted to coal in the 1870s. In 1892, it was rebuilt as a wood burner but shortly thereafter, rebuilt again as a coal burner but maintained the cosmetic appearance of a wood burner. The coal was concealed beneath a false deck on the tender. The locomotive operated sporadically from the 1890s to the 1920s for PR purposes and was converted to oil in 1961.
Posted: Aug 10, 2011 @ 03:08:06 by JD
The oldest engine in existence in the USA is Camden & Amboy No. 1 aka the John Bull built in 1831
Posted: Oct 14, 2010 @ 19:10:19 by sawyer regensberg
time to put the debate to bed. neither the B&O 25 or the V&T "Inyo" are the oldest engine in existance. The "General" is the oldest engine with her build date as 12/1855 as opposed to 08/1856 on the B&O 25. The Old Rebel General shows her age and can still steam, amazingly.
Posted: Sep 29, 2008 @ 19:09:30 by Jay
Change the location to "Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History," because that's what the museum is now known as. Also, change the location of Jellico Coal no. 3 and the unsold engine (the one listed as being located in the Glover works) to the same, just so they all are consistent, since all 3 are in this museum.
Posted: Oct 26, 2007 @ 22:10:50 by Loel Kugler
I have a picture of the General, and until Now I did not know what it was. It is about 14" x 30" framed. The picture is gold color with shades of brown. I believe it is a numbered picture #77. It has the General in the fore ground and the "Texas" chasing. The only problem is, the "Texas" engine is running the same direction as the General. In the story the "Texas" is running backwards.
Posted: Jul 5, 2007 @ 08:07:01 by martin
The General was originaly a wood burner but sometime in the 20th century it was converted to oil. It would be nice to see it run again.
Posted: Oct 28, 2004 @ 06:10:55 by Sean Lamb
This locomotive was RK&G serial number 631. Source: Moshein, Peter and Rothfus, Robert R., (Autumn 1992) Rogers locomotives: A brief history and construction list, "Railroad History" (167) 13-147.
Posted: Feb 21, 2004 @ 16:02:19 by Craig Smith
W&A #3 "The General" is a famous Civil War engine. Why was it famous because in 1862 it was captered by a union spy name James J. Andrews and 22 union men. The locomotive was hijacked by the union spys. Their plan was to cut down the tracks and burn the bridges to shorten the war. James's plain failed by the engine's conductor name Willeim A. Fuller. James begained The Great Locomotive Chase started at Big Shaty Station at Atlanta to Ringold, GA. Some of the railroad and the station are still in place today.That the way The General became famous.
Posted: Oct 16, 2003 @ 21:10:56 by Justin Strickland

The Kennesaw Civil War Museum in Kennesaw, GA, has been renovated and expanded to become the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.  This newly opened Museum houses not only the General, but the Glover Locomotive Works collection from Marietta.  Two of the locomotives from the Glover Works are now featured at the Museum.  This Museum also is a Smithsonian Affiliate.