The Yonah (locomotive) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yonah |
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| Virtual model of the Yonah seen in Trainz Railroad Simulator | |
| Power type | Steam |
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| Builder | Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor |
| Build date | 1848 |
| Configuration | 4-4-0 |
| Gauge | 5 ft (1,524 mm) |
| Cylinders | Two, outside |
| Official name | Yonah |
| First run | April 1849 |
| Retired | 1873 |
| Disposition | scrapped |
The Yonah was a powerful steam locomotive that played a small but interesting part in the famous Great Locomotive Chase. This exciting event happened during the American Civil War. The Yonah was a "4-4-0" type engine, meaning it had four small wheels at the front, four large driving wheels in the middle, and no wheels at the back.
Building the Yonah
The Yonah was built in 1848 by a company called Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor. They were located in Paterson, New Jersey. It was the third engine of its kind bought by the Western and Atlantic Railroad.
Not much is known about the Yonah's early life. It probably helped build the railroad from Atlanta, Georgia to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Many believe it was the first train to reach Chattanooga. The Yonah likely carried both goods and people for the railroad.
This engine was an early example of the 4-4-0 design. Over time, the railroad got bigger and stronger locomotives. Engines like the General and the Texas arrived. Because of this, the Yonah was probably used for smaller jobs, like moving trains around the rail yard, by the late 1850s.
The Great Locomotive Chase
During the American Civil War, the Western and Atlantic Railroad loaned the Yonah to the Cooper Iron Works. This company used the engine on a short track to their factory near Etowah, Georgia.
On April 12, 1862, a group of Northern spies led by James J. Andrews stole the locomotive The General. This happened at Big Shanty (now Kennesaw, Georgia). As they sped north toward Chattanooga, they passed the Yonah at Etowah. The Yonah was ready to go, with its steam up. Some of the raiders suggested destroying the Yonah. However, Andrews decided against it. He thought it wouldn't help much and might draw attention to their plan. So, they continued without stopping.
The Yonah was about to start its morning trip to the Cooper Works. Suddenly, William Allen Fuller arrived. He was the conductor whose train, The General, had just been stolen. Fuller quickly took control of the Yonah. He drove it full speed northward for about fifteen miles. He stopped at Kingston. There, Fuller left the Yonah. He then continued his chase on another train, the William R. Smith.
After the War
After the Civil War ended, the Yonah likely returned to Atlanta. It was probably changed into a stationary boiler. This means it was used to power machinery in the railroad's workshops.
In January 1873, the Western and Atlantic Railroad's list of engines said the Yonah was "condemned." This meant it was no longer fit for use as a locomotive. It was also marked "not to appear again on engine roster." It's believed the Yonah continued to power shop machines until it was finally taken apart for scrap.
