Point Lookout State Park, Civil War museum at Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary's County, United States.
Point Lookout State Park Museum sits on a peninsula where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River meet, holding Civil War artifacts and documents. The museum is housed in the Marshland Nature Center building and displays items that show what life was like during the conflict.
The site served as Camp Hoffman during the Civil War, a prison camp that held thousands of Confederate soldiers. Overcrowding and harsh conditions defined life there, with thousands of prisoners suffering from disease and hardship.
The museum displays personal items from both Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners who lived here during wartime. Letters, photographs, and daily objects tell human stories that visitors can connect with as they walk through the exhibits.
The museum is open seasonally from May through October with guided tours and educational programs available. The location sits on a waterfront park setting, so comfortable footwear and sun protection are helpful for exploring the grounds.
A memorial in the park remembers thousands of prisoners who died under the harsh camp conditions. Many visitors focus on the museum building and miss this quiet tribute located on the grounds.
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