Cahaba Prison

Cahaba Prison was a detention facility in Alabama that occupied a repurposed cotton warehouse near the convergence of two rivers, housing thousands of captives. The brick structure provided basic enclosure for the prisoners without luxuries or amenities.

The facility was established in 1863 to hold captives during the conflict between North and South. Its remains were discovered through archaeological work more than a century later, revealing details of its layout and use.

The site reflects how a commander's approach to managing prisoners shaped daily life during wartime, treating captives with dignity in circumstances of conflict. This humane treatment set it apart from many other facilities of that era.

The site is now an archaeological area where visitors can see the exposed foundations of the former facility laid bare from the earth. Comfortable footwear is advisable since the location consists of open grounds with excavated sections.

Many former inmates released from the facility met tragedy aboard a steamboat that sank in the Mississippi River, an event that ranks among the deadliest maritime disasters in American history. The tragedy unfolded just days after their release, adding sorrow to their survival.

Location: Alabama

Inception: 1863

GPS coordinates: 32.31640,-87.09620

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25