Andersonville, Georgia

One of the greatest tragedies of the war for southern independence took place at Andersonville, GA in 1864-65.

Camp Sumter as it was known officially, was the largest of many Confederate military prisons established during the war for southern independence.

It was built in 1864 after it was decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners in and around Richmond to a place of greater security and more abundant food.

During the 14 months it existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. No clothing, no shelter save the makeshift tents, and very little food, ( half pound of beef or bacon, and a pound and a half of cornmeal - each day). Is it any wonder that through the life of Andersonville Prison, that over 50,000 men of the Union went through here, that many many died here? ( approximately 13,000 ). Death, disease, were commonplace, with little or no medical attention, the men were left to care for their own.

At the end of the war, the Camp Commander Col Henry Wirtz was sent to Washington DC to face a War Crimes trial, and he was hanged.

Today the Andersonville camp is a National Historical Site.

It is located in Sumter County, GA, near the town of Americus.

Another great tragedy in a war where Americans fought and killed Americans. A real tragedy all in all.