The fight for the General (Part II)

A story almost too ridiculous to believe grows more ridiculous.

The General when it was in Chattanooga. (Photo courtesy Library of Congress)

Click here for Part I of this story.

Georgia sues Chattanooga

In October 1967, Georgia officials sued Chattanooga in federal court.[1] Shortly thereafter, U.S. District Judge Frank Wilson ordered federal marshals to take responsibility for protecting The General, relieving Hamilton County Sheriff Frank Newell of the responsibility.[2]

Despite the promise of legal action, in November 1967, Wilson ruled in a case the state filed against the city that the court had no jurisdiction but set a December hearing to consider a suit the city filed against the railroad.