As a young man William Pittenger was a decorated Civil War hero, having been awarded one of the first Congressional Medals of Honor for his participation in a secret Union army band called “Andrews Raiders”. Their mission was to infiltrate enemy territory, commandeer a confederate train, and to destroy transportation and communication links between Atlanta and Chattanooga. Pittenger wrote his personal account of this failed mission, originally published as Daring and Suffering and later as The Great Locomotive Chase. Two different movie versions were produced, including a Walt Disney version featuring actor Fess Parker.
In 1890 the Reverend William Pittenger purchased 20 acres at what is now Rocky Crest Road and South Hill Ave. On the property Pittenger planted a garden, as well as fruit and nuts for both profit and personal use. In 1895 he built the little farmhouse that is now a museum maintained by the Fallbrook Historical Society.
Heritage Center Museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm.
