Kennesaw’s Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is one of Atlanta’s premier tourism destinations and home to three permanent collections: Railroads: Lifelines of the Civil War; The Great Locomotive Chase; and Glover Machine Works: Casting a New South. The Museum also has space for revolving exhibits that change throughout the year.
The Southern Museum began as The Big Shanty Museum, and began its transformation in 1972 when the State of Georgia won a lawsuit and the rights to the General locomotive. The General was moved to the historic Frey cotton gin, just a few yards away from where it was stolen during the Civil War and the museum became the Kennesaw Civil War Museum showcasing the General and the Great Locomotive Chase. In the mid ’90s, the City of Kennesaw acquired the Glover Locomotive Collection and a few years later combined it with the General to create the The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History.
In 2001, the Museum became a member of the Smithsonial Affiliations Program, allowing the museum to host traveling Smithsonian exhibits, book Smithsonian historians for lectures, and feature Smithsonian artifacts within its permanent collections.
The Southern Museum was recently expanded to include the Jolley Education Center, featuring interactive Civil War displays, railroad and locomotive history, and the Merci Boxcar – a gift sent to the United States from France for providing aid to the war-torn country following World War II.
Address:
Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
2829 Cherokee Street
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Sundays, Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Admission:
Adults: $10
Senior Citizens (65+): $8
Children 3 – 17: $5
Children 2 and under: Free
For more information, please call (770) 427-2117.
