More than 160 years after his death, Belmont County’s own Private George D. Wilson has finally received the nation’s highest military honor—the Medal of Honor—for his role in one of the Civil War’s most daring missions: the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. This powerful new exhibit explores Wilson’s life, the extraordinary raid that cost him his life, and the long-overdue recognition of his bravery.

At the center of the display, visitors will see a portrait of Pvt. Wilson, alongside a replica Medal of Honor, a timeline from the Great Locomotive Chase to President Biden’s 2024 proclamation, and a quote from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who championed the effort to right this historic wrong.

The exhibit expands to tell the broader story of Belmont County’s Civil War legacy. Visitors can trace the dramatic events of the Great Locomotive Chase, meet the 11 generals hailing from the county, and learn about other unsung local leaders and soldiers.

Artifacts on display include Colonel James Charlesworth’s recovered Civil War presentation sword, uniforms on loan from the Underground Railroad Museum, and a remnant of the flag used by the 25th Regiment of the Ohio Infantry Volunteers, made by the ladies of St. Clairsville and flown in 27 Civil War Battles from 1861-1865. It is on loan from the St. Clairsville Legion.