Andersonville National Historic Site, Civil War prison site and National Cemetery in Macon County, United States.
Andersonville is a 515-acre historic site in Georgia containing a former Civil War military prison, a National Cemetery, and a Prisoner of War Museum. The grounds show how the prison was organized and display artifacts and documentation from soldiers held there.
The prison was established in 1864 under the name Camp Sumter and held tens of thousands of Union soldiers. Terrible conditions—insufficient food, water, and medical care—caused many deaths before the camp closed in 1865.
The museum displays personal items and letters from prisoners that reveal how people maintained their humanity in harsh conditions. Visitors can see everyday objects that captives crafted from scrap materials to cope with their circumstances.
The grounds are open to visitors during daylight hours and offer guided tours plus self-guided options for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Check the site's website for current hours, and wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is expansive and requires considerable walking.
A soldier named Dorence Atwater secretly kept a record by writing down the names of prisoners who died, preserving an invaluable documentation. His handwritten list later allowed many of the deceased to be identified and properly honored.
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