Knoxville in Jefferson County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William Pittenger
Congressional Medal of Honor, 1863
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
1. William Pittenger Marker
Side A
Born in Knoxville in 1840 and reared at a farm in New Somerset, William Pittenger mustered into the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under a 90-day enlistment, in 1861. He fought at the First Battle of Bull Run and was the war correspondent for the Steubenville Herald. After reenlisting, he participated in the ill-fated Andrews Raid of 1862. While attempting to disrupt enemy lines, the raiders stole the Confederate locomotive "The General." After being chased north, they were captured.
Eight of the twenty-two captured raiders were executed as spies and the remainder languished in prison. After being paroled in 1863, Pittenger was presented the fifth Congressional Medal of Honor by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He was discharged from the Army due to poor health and returned home to preach at the New Somerset Methodist Church and recount his experiences in several books, including Daring and Suffering: A History of the Great Railroad Adventure.
Erected 2014 by Knox Township Trustees, Jefferson County Commissioners, Pittenger Family,
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 40° 29.514′ N, 80° 40.89′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Ohio, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Ohio Route 152 and Ohio Route 213, on the right when traveling east on State Route 152. Located in a small park at the eastern junction of OH 152/213. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Toronto OH 43964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. World Wars I & II Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); Empire (approx. 3.3 miles away); Village of Stratton Veterans Memorial Park (approx. 3˝ miles away); Ohio River (approx. 3.7 miles away in West Virginia); New Cumberland (approx. 3.7 miles away in West Virginia); Brickyard Bend (approx. 3.7 miles away in West Virginia); Captain John Porter / Chelsea China Company (approx. 3.7 miles away in West Virginia); Old Town (approx. 3.7 miles away in West Virginia).
More about this marker. Marker was dedicated on August 2, 2014
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on William Pittenger. (Submitted on August 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
2. William Pittenger Marker
Side B
2. William Pittenger at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on August 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
3. William Pittenger Marker
Close up of the "General" photo
The General at Union Station in Chattanooga, Tennessee (circa 1907).
The General at Union Station in Chattanooga, Tennessee (circa 1907).
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
4. William Pittenger Marker
Ohio Civil War 150 logo
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
5. William Pittenger Marker
After the unveiling, surrounded by descendants of William Pittenger and local dignitaries.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
6. William Pittenger Marker
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
7. William Pittenger Marker
Being unveiled at the dedication ceremony
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
8. William Pittenger Marker
Before the unveiling, the cover is adorned by the 2nd Ohio Voluntary Infantry flag.
Ivy Mountain
Perryville
Stone River
Hoover's Gap
2nd O.V.I.
Chickamauga
Lookout Mountain
Missionary Ridge
Ivy Mountain
Perryville
Stone River
Hoover's Gap
2nd O.V.I.
Chickamauga
Lookout Mountain
Missionary Ridge
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 2, 2014
9. William Pittenger Marker Dedication
After the unveiling a 21-Gun salute was performed by Toronto Ohio American Legion Post 86 7
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
10. William Pittenger Marker Dedication Ceremony Program
Outside
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
11. William Pittenger Marker Dedication Ceremony Program
Inside
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 690 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on August 2, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10, 11. submitted on August 29, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
