Explore Chattanooga Spring 2022

Spotlight | WHAT TO DO

ANDREWS’ RAIDERS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION AT THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HERITAGE CENTER

Subsequent reunions, memorials, and celebrations of the “Great Locomotive Chase” increased the raid’s notoriety, and with the Gen eral on display at UnionDepot, Chattanooga achieved national fame. The history of “The Chase” in Chattanooga became part of the city’s identity, so when plans were made tomove the General and demolish UnionDepot, there was a local uproar. The exhibition follows the evolution of this identity and asks visitors to reflect on the importance of historic preservation in their own communities. This exhibitwas developedbyChattyHistorywithcontributions and assistance fromDr.AnthonyHodges, theTennesseeValleyRailroadMu seum, and theNationalMedal of HonorHeritageCenter.

O n display now through June 19, 2022, at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, the new temporary exhibit titled Cornerstones of the First Medals of Honor: A Fight for Chattanooga’s History explores the Civil War’s most exciting raid, the “Great Loco motive Chase,” and its legacy in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1862, the Andrews’ Raiders, a group of 24Ohioan soldiers and volunteers led by smuggler James Andrews, stole a Confederate locomotive called “The General” near Big Shanty, Georgia. Although the mission to reach Chattanooga and sabotage rebel communications and railroads along the way failed, their fame would eventually be cemented in history. For their acts of valor in the “Great Locomotive Chase,” six members of Andrews’ Raiders were awarded the first Med als of Honor in our country’s history onMarch 25, 1863. Ultimately, 19 of the 24members of Andrews’ Raiders would receive theMedal of Honor for their incredible acts of valor on that day. These First Medals are why Chattanooga is recognized and known as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor.

Located in downtown Chat tanooga at the TNAquarium Plaza, the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is a 19,000-square-foot facility featuring immersive, award-winning exhibits that tell the amazing, real-life stories of ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary heroismunder the most diffi cult circumstances. The National Medal of Hon

or Heritage Center is openMonday – Saturday 9:00am– 5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am– 3:30pm. For admission rates and tickets please visit MOHHC.org/visit.

Spring 2022