A Major General in the Union Army who led his troops in the decisive Civil War battles of Donelson, Shiloh, and Monocacy; a military judge in the trials of the Lincoln Conspirators and Commander Wirz of Andersonville Prison; ambassador to the Ottoman Empire; a brilliant author, orator, artist, inventor, and musician, General Wallace etched his place indelibly etched in the annals of American history.

Wallace was also the author of the 1880 book, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, one of the best-selling novels of all times. In 1959 Ben-Hur was converted from a 1925 silent movie to a religious epic that won 11 Academy Awards. The 1959 movie, starring Charleton Heston, had the largest budget ($15.175 million), as well as the largest sets built, of any film produced at the time.

Ellen had arranged with the museum staff, whch was educational and entertaining. A wonderful surprise. Following the tour Tom, Ellen, and Jay enjoyed a meal at a local establishment that was recommended by the museum staff.