A Young Ohioan Enlists
Born on July 17, 1843, in Fairfield County, Ohio, Jacob Wilson Parrott was a cabinetmaker by trade before he joined the Union Army in 1861. He enlisted as a private in Company K of the 33rd Ohio Infantry, a unit that would soon be thrust into one of the most audacious missions of the Civil War. Parrott first saw combat at the Battle of Ivy Mountain, but it was his participation in a covert operation deep within Confederate territory that would etch his name into the annals of American military history.
The Great Locomotive Chase: One of the Civil War’s Most Daring Missions
The Great Locomotive Chase, also known as Andrews’ Raid, was one of the most dramatic and daring military operations of the American Civil War. It took place on April 12, 1862, deep in Confederate territory in northern Georgia. The mission involved a group of Union soldiers and civilian volunteers led by James J. Andrews. Their goal was to sabotage the Western & Atlantic Railroad, a vital supply line running between Atlanta, Georgia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. By damaging this railroad, the raiders hoped to cripple Confederate transportation and communication, giving Union forces a better chance to advance in the region.
The operation began at a small railroad station called Big Shanty, which is known today as Kennesaw, Georgia. This location was chosen because it didn’t have telegraph lines, making it harder for the Confederates to send out warnings. The raiders quietly boarded a train called The General while its crew and passengers were inside eating breakfast. After sneaking aboard, the Union men quickly seized control of the locomotive. They detached most of the train cars, leaving themselves with only the engine, a tender for fuel, and three boxcars, which would help them carry supplies and tear up the railroad tracks behind them.
As soon as The General roared to life and sped northward, the Confederate crew realized what had happened. William Fuller, the train’s conductor, led the pursuit. At first, Fuller and his companions chased the stolen train on foot. Later, they used a handcar and eventually commandeered other locomotives, including one called The Texas, to chase down Andrews and his raiders. The pursuit covered nearly 90 miles through rough Georgia terrain.
While fleeing north, the Union raiders tried to damage the railroad in every way possible. They tore up sections of track, cut telegraph wires, and even tried to burn bridges. However, their progress was slowed by unexpected obstacles. Southbound trains on the track forced them to stop and wait, giving their pursuers more time to catch up. The raiders also didn’t have enough time or the right tools to destroy the railroad as thoroughly as they had planned.
Eventually, The General ran out of fuel near Ringgold, Georgia. With no way to continue their escape, the raiders were forced to abandon the train and flee on foot. It wasn’t long before Confederate forces captured them. The outcome was tragic for many of the men involved. James J. Andrews and several of his fellow raiders were executed by the Confederates as spies. Others were imprisoned, though some managed to escape. The bravery and determination shown by these men did not go unnoticed.
Several of the surviving raiders, including Private Jacob Parrott — who would later become the first person awarded the Medal of Honor — were recognized for their courage. Their mission had failed in its immediate objective, but their daring effort became legendary. The Great Locomotive Chase remains one of the most thrilling episodes of the Civil War, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and ingenuity on both sides of the conflict.
Today, the famous locomotive The General has been preserved and is on display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia. The story of the raid continues to inspire, serving as a remarkable example of heroism, determination, and sacrifice during one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
Parrott Endures Captivity
Parrott faced brutal treatment as a prisoner. He was severely beaten 110 times in an attempt to extract information, yet he remained steadfast and refused to give up any details. After enduring months of captivity, Parrott and 14 others managed to escape, but only six reached Union lines. Parrott was eventually exchanged and returned to Union territory in March 1863.
A Historic Honor
Upon his return, Parrott was summoned to Washington, D.C., where he met President Abraham Lincoln. On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton awarded him the very first Medal of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary heroism during the raid. Five of his fellow Raiders received the medal shortly thereafter.
Life After the War
Parrott continued to serve in the Union Army, receiving promotions to second lieutenant in 1863 and first lieutenant in 1864. After the war, he returned to Kenton, Ohio, resuming his work as a cabinetmaker and operating a stone quarry. He remained a respected figure in his community until his death from a heart attack on December 22, 1908. Parrott is buried in Grove Cemetery in Kenton, where a historical marker commemorates his service.
Legacy of Valor
Jacob Parrott’s courage and resilience set a precedent for the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration. His story exemplifies the valor and dedication of countless service members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Parrott’s legacy endures, reminding us of the extraordinary sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice.