J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Georgia Locomotive" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Georgia Commemorative Cover postmarked April 12, 1995.

One of America's most fascinating railroad stories is woven around a Civil War incident known as the Andrews Raid. James J. Andrews, a Union spy and contraband runner, devised a scheme involving the capture of a train and the sabotage of a railway line used by the Confederacy. When the gang of 22 saboteurs met at Georgia's Big Shanty station, where the train was to be confiscated, they found that the depot area had been converted into a Confederate camp. Fortunately for them, the intended victim -- the Western & Atlantic's General -- was left vulnerable to capture. One of the participants in the caper later recalled, "The conductor, engineer, and many of the passengers hurried to breakfast, leaving the train unguarded. Now was the moment of action!" The Northern raiders boarded the train and were soon headed toward Chattanooga, cutting telegraph wires and tearing up track along the way. Eventually a locomotive manned by the Confederates caught up with the General and a hair-raising chase ensued. Unable to stop for fuel because the Southerners were so close behind, a desperate Andrews commanded his crew to abandon the General. Just before the last man leaped from the train, the engine was reversed and driven back toward its pursuers. It literally ran out of steam, however, causing little damage upon impact with the Confederate engine. All the raiders were captured, and Andrews and seven of his men were hanged as spies.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B15004)

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