Andersonville, Georgia

Andersonville is the location of Camp Sumter, a Confederate prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. Over 32,000 men were detained there. Of those, more than 12,000 remain interred in the Cemetery. Overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, and communicable diseases were the cause of many deaths; not to mention lack of food and clothing.

The scene today is very bucolic. But as one stands on the hill overlooking the camp, one can imagine hearing the moans of the sick and injured, and seeing the tents and campfires. The camp and cemetery are must sees when traveling to Georgia.

I thought of the commandant of Andersonville as he stood on that very hill hearing the cries of anguish of the men huddled around their campfires, watching the men starving without any food to give them, and seeing the sole water supply being used as a toilet.   Prisoners kept coming in daily.  He was not allowed to send them away.  He had to accept them in this overcowded hell.  I can see him standing on that hill and sobbing.  Of course, he was made the scapegoat for this dispicable situation, was tried and executed.  The second in command bore false witness and was exonerated.

Ironically, Chicago, IL was an Union prisoner of war camp called Camp Douglas, where 30,000 Confederate soldiers were detained. Of these more than 4,000 died while incarcerated. That area has been built upon. The only designation of a prison camp having been there is a marker. There the treatment of the Confederate POWs was equally harsh, with less reason: the North was not starving and better medical care and clothing was certainly more likely available.

Also at the Andersonville National Historic Site is the National Prisoner of War Museum, which gives a history of POWs, their treatment, and the results upon the individuals and on society. A twenty-seven minute movie narrated by Colin Powell traces POWs from the Civil War through Desert Storm. The exhibits contain artifacts and memorabilia from the different wars. At least two hours is needed to experience the museum.

The town of Andersonville, located one mile from the camp has been restored to look like the place where the soldiers disembarked from the prison trains. The depot is now a welcome center and museum. The town has tried hard to recreate the atmosphere of life in the 1860s.

About the Author

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. During His travels He has found that each town has a story to tell:. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli.

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