Western and Atlantic 12 “Texas”

The Western and Atlantic 12 is a tender locomotive with a classic 4-4-0 design, black paint, rebuilt smokestack, and front cowcatcher. The 26-ton engine sits in a glass-fronted gallery at the Atlanta History Center where visitors can step inside and walk around it.

Built in 1856 by Danforth, Cooke & Company, this engine chased Union raiders during the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase. This dramatic pursuit across Georgia railways became a key moment in Civil War military operations.

This locomotive shaped how Atlanta sees its own industrial past and remains connected to the city's railroad heritage. Walking around it, you notice how much the machine meant to the people who built and operated the railway system.

Visit during daylight hours to see all the details of the engine clearly inside the glass gallery. Evening lighting creates a different mood for viewing, but you can only enter the locomotive cab when there is natural light.

Of the many Western & Atlantic locomotives that once ran, only two from the Civil War era still exist today. This machine is one of these rare survivors, representing an almost vanished chapter of American railroad history.

Location: Atlanta

Inception: 1856

Part of: Great Locomotive Chase

GPS coordinates: 33.73383,-84.37095

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22