The General locomotive was the subject of a high-stakes theft by Union raiders attempting to destroy supply lines in 1862.
The museum building was originally a dedicated cotton gin manufacturing plant that operated for decades.
The collection includes the original steam whistle from the historic locomotive.
The museum is an official Smithsonian Affiliate, allowing it to host traveling exhibits from the national collection.
The Glover Machine Works exhibit features original equipment used to manufacture steam locomotives locally.
The site includes a research archive housing thousands of documents related to the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History serves as a Smithsonian Affiliate focused on the American Civil War and the development of the railroad industry in the South. Its centerpiece is The General, the 1855 locomotive famous for its role in the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. The museum is housed in a repurposed 1908 cotton gin factory in the heart of historic Kennesaw. Exhibits cover the logistical impact of railroads on military strategy during the 1860s. Visitors can explore the Glover Machine Works exhibit, which showcases a reconstruction of an industrial steam locomotive factory. The site also highlights the role of the railroad in the post-war industrialization of Georgia. Interactive elements focus on telegraph communication and the daily lives of railroad engineers. The facility maintains an archival collection centered on the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
Directly in front of The General locomotive, which is positioned in a central, well-lit gallery hall.
Prioritize seeing the multimedia presentation on the Great Locomotive Chase early in your visit.
The museum is highly walkable, but comfortable shoes are recommended for the industrial workshop area.
Check the museum's calendar for rotating temporary exhibits, as they frequently refresh the historical content.
Do not attempt to walk on the railroad tracks outside the museum grounds, as they are active freight corridors.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Photography is permitted in most areas, but flash is prohibited near sensitive historical documents.
