| Photos and Comments on the Conditions of the Union Prisoners at Andersonville, 1864 |
" Said Jesse Mason [ 26th OVI, co C ] was held many months a prisoner by the enemy and when I next saw him, after his release from the rebel prison, he was emaciated almost beyond the point of recognition, in short but little more than a shadow of the robust soldier he had been up to the date of his capture." 1st Lieutenant Benjamin W Shotwell, 26th OVI, co C., in an affadivit he wrote in behalf of Jesse Mason. |
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| Photo taken from the North Gate looking east along the " Market Street"- Note the Sutler Tent in the background Photo courtesy of the National Archives |
| Andersonville Prison Site as seen today: Photos were taken in October, 2001 |
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| Below: Photo taken from Star Fort ( Capt. Wirz' HQ ) looking northeast. Stone marker in foreground is the SW corner of the stockade. South Gate is marked by two stone gates.( Sick call was held daily at the South Gate. The dead were also deposited at the South Gate to await transport to the cemetery) The large tree on the left side of the photo is where the Providence Spring is located. Further up the hill on the left side is the replica of the north gate. (New arrivals were brought in through the North Gate.) Note the monuments in the left distant side of the photo. The large obilesk is the Ohio Monument. At the far and opposite end, is the replica of the fence at the northeast corner. Note the steep slope in the terrain, especially on the north slope. On the right side of the photo, you can see the markers for the east side dead line and wall. The rectangular prison measured 750 feet ( east to west) and 1,540 feet ( north to south) for 26 1/2 acres.. The single marker in the lower right of the photo marks the spot where the "raiders" were hung on July 11, 1864. |
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| Right: Photo taken from the southeast corner looking north along the east wall. The two rows of white markers depict the location of dead line and the stockade wall ( from the left to right respectively) The Northeast corner wall replica is in the distance. |
| Left: Dead line replica at the North Gate location. There was approximately 18 feet between the wall and the dead line. Many prisoners lost their lives crossing the dead line in search of water. |
| Right: View from the North gate looking south. The small structure in the right side of the photo is where Providence Spring is located. The stockade creek bisects the photo just below the small structure. Note the steep drop from this location down to the Stockade Creek. |
| Left: Stockade Creek as seen from the east wall location looking west. In the distance is the Providence Spring structure and the North Gate. As you can see, the "creek" is no more than a stream; at the most 2 feet wide. The easternly section of the creek in the prison served as the primary sinks or latrine for the prisoners. The lower area on each slope was very marshy and uninhabitable; Even today, it is still marshy for a couple of feet on either bank of the creek.. |
| Right: North Gate replica, showing the guard towers and exterior of the two gates doors on each side of the sally port gate. Note: For scale purposes, my father, Bob Hill ( 5' 9") is standing at the gate. The stockade fence was approximately 15 feet high. The North gate was used primarily for new arrivals and for bringing in supplies. |
| Left: Shebangs replica at the Northeast wall location. Various types of prisoner's "housing", known as shebangs is depicted. Note also the guard tower. The soldiers used shirts, branches, rubber blankets, or anything else that might shelter them from the scorching sun. |
| Right: Stocks replica located outside the Northeast wall. These stocks, and various other types of cruel punishment devices were used for rule infractions, especially escape attempts. |
| Died At Andersonville " Had they fallen in the battle with the Old Flag waving high, We should mourn but not in anguish for the soldier thus would die. Had they died in ward or sick room nursed with but a soldier's care, We should grieve but still be thankful that a human heart was there. But the dear boys starved in prison helpless, friendless, and alone, while the heartless rebel leaders heard unmoved each dying groan. GAR Advocate Source: The Ohio Soldier Vol II, p. 108 |
| By the Numbers... Total number of prisoners incarcerated at Andersonville: 45,613 Total number of prisoners who died while incarcerated there: 12,912 or 28% Note: Highest total and percentage of any civil war prison. Highest daily number of prisoners incarcerated there: 33,114 on August 8, 1864 Most daily deaths: 127 on August 23, 1864 Average daily deaths: 30 Source: William H Fox, Regimental Losses |