News

First Medal of Honor Recipient�s Photo Acquired by Southern Museum

11/14/2007

KENNESAW, GA � A rare “carte de visite” photograph of Union Raider Jacob Parrott has been acquired by the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

Parrott, who received the nation’s first Medal of Honor for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase, served in the 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was captured after the chase and imprisoned in the Fulton County Jail for nearly a year.           

“Parrott really deserved to be the first recipient of the Medal of Honor,” explained Southern Museum Assistant Curator Ava Wilkey. “In addition to his role in the chase, he never revealed details about it while in prison, even though the guards abused him for refusing to talk.”

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton bestowed the award on Parrott. His medal is now on display at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“This is a significant acquisition for the Southern Museum” Wilkey said. “It fits perfectly in the Raiders’ Gallery portion of our permanent Great Locomotive Chase exhibit, helping us better illustrate the importance of this event during the Civil War.”

A carte de visite, or “visiting card” in English, was a small photograph mounted on a card and traded amongst friends in the late 19th century. Parrott’s carte de visite shows him seated in his 1st Lieutenant’s uniform in three-quarter length view. The photograph was taken in Lima, Ohio.

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.