On April 12, 1862, James J. Andrews led Union spies in an espionage scheme to destroy the Western & Atlantic Railroad and disrupt a vital Confederate supply line. Andrews' Raiders stole a train, The General, at Big Shanty (Kennesaw), 50 miles south of Adairsville, and sped north. Conductor William Fuller pursued Andrews first by hand-powered pole car and then by commandeering The Texas just south of Adairsville. With no time to turn the train around, Fuller chased The General with The Texas in reverse. At Adairsville, Fuller dropped freight cars and continued the chase with only the engine and tender. Because of Fuller's diligent pursuit, the train and spies were captured near Ringgold, major destruction of the railroad system was avoided, and the Union soldiers involved became the first recipients of the Medal of Honor.