The Andersonville Prison Camp, also known as Camp Sumter, was a notorious prisoner-of-war camp operated by the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Located in Andersonville, Georgia, the camp was established in February 1864 and was intended to house Union prisoners captured during the war. However, the camp quickly became infamous for its harsh conditions, inadequate food and water supplies, and high mortality rate among prisoners. According to historical records, over 45,000 Union prisoners were held at Andersonville, with approximately 13,000 deaths recorded during the camp's operation.
The camp's commander, Captain Henry Wirz, was later tried and executed for war crimes committed during his tenure. The Andersonville Prison Camp is considered one of the most significant and tragic events of the Civil War, serving as a stark reminder of the brutal treatment of prisoners during the conflict.
Establishment and Conditions at Andersonville Prison Camp
The Andersonville Prison Camp was established in February 1864, with an initial capacity to house 10,000 prisoners. However, the camp quickly grew to accommodate over 45,000 Union prisoners, leading to severe overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. The camp was surrounded by a 15-foot-high stockade, with a single gate for entry and exit. Prisoners were forced to live in makeshift shelters, with inadequate food and water supplies. The camp's location in a swampy area also contributed to the spread of diseases, including dysentery and malaria.
Daily Life and Struggles of Prisoners
Daily life for prisoners at Andersonville was marked by extreme hardship and struggle. Prisoners were forced to wake up early in the morning for roll calls, followed by a meager breakfast of stale bread and watery soup. The workday was long, with prisoners forced to perform hard labor, including digging graves and constructing makeshift shelters. Prisoners also had to contend with harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, as well as frequent rainstorms.
| Prisoner Statistics | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Prisoners | 45,000 |
| Deaths | 13,000 |
| Death Rate | 28.7% |
Medical Care and Mortality Rate
Medical care at Andersonville was severely limited, with inadequate facilities and staff to treat the large number of sick and injured prisoners. The mortality rate at Andersonville was alarmingly high, with approximately 28.7% of prisoners dying during their time at the camp. The leading causes of death included disease, malnutrition, and exposure to the elements.
Escape Attempts and the Role of the Tunnel
Despite the harsh conditions, many prisoners attempted to escape from Andersonville. One of the most notable escape attempts involved the construction of a tunnel, which was dug by a group of prisoners in 1864. The tunnel, which was over 150 feet long, was discovered by camp guards, but not before several prisoners had escaped.
Key Points
- The Andersonville Prison Camp was established in February 1864 and held over 45,000 Union prisoners.
- The camp was notorious for its harsh conditions, inadequate food and water supplies, and high mortality rate.
- Approximately 13,000 prisoners died at Andersonville, with a mortality rate of 28.7%.
- The camp's commander, Captain Henry Wirz, was later tried and executed for war crimes.
- The Andersonville Prison Camp is considered one of the most significant and tragic events of the Civil War.
Aftermath and Legacy
After the war, the Andersonville Prison Camp was liberated by Union forces, and Captain Henry Wirz was arrested and tried for war crimes. Wirz was later convicted and executed for his role in the mistreatment of prisoners at Andersonville. The camp was abandoned and left to ruin, but it was later preserved as a historic site and memorial to the prisoners who died there.
Preservation and Memorialization
Today, the Andersonville Prison Camp is a National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service. The site includes a museum, a cemetery, and a replica of the camp's stockade. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the history of the camp and the experiences of the prisoners who were held there.
What was the Andersonville Prison Camp?
+The Andersonville Prison Camp, also known as Camp Sumter, was a prisoner-of-war camp operated by the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
How many prisoners were held at Andersonville?
+Over 45,000 Union prisoners were held at Andersonville during the war.
What was the mortality rate at Andersonville?
+The mortality rate at Andersonville was approximately 28.7%, with over 13,000 prisoners dying during their time at the camp.
