Andersonville (civil war era)

Question

Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?

Answer 1

Andersonville refers to the infamous military prison known as Andersonville Prison (officially Andersonville Confederate Military Prison) established during the American Civil War.

Who was involved?

1. Confederate Government & Military: They established and operated the prison as a means to house Union soldiers captured during the war.
2. Union Soldiers: Thousands of Union soldiers were incarcerated at Andersonville, enduring horrific conditions.
3. Prison Staff: The guards and administrators managing the prison, many of whom were local Confederate soldiers.
4. The Local Population: Residents of Andersonville, Georgia, who lived near the prison and witnessed the events unfold.

What happened?

Andersonville Prison was established in February 1864 to accommodate the increasing number of Union prisoners of war. Originally designed for about 10,000 men, the prison became overcrowded, often holding over 30,000 inmates. Conditions were dire, characterized by inadequate food, poor sanitation, lack of proper shelter, and rampant disease. By the end of the war, an estimated 13,000 of the 45,000 prisoners died from malnutrition, exposure, and disease. The prison’s commandant, Henry Wirz, became infamous for his brutal management.

Where did the event take place?

Andersonville Prison was located in Andersonville, Georgia, in the southwest part of the state. The site is now the location of the Andersonville National Historic Site, which includes a cemetery for Union soldiers who died in the prison.

When did the event take place?

Andersonville Prison was operational from February 1864 until April 1865. It was most active in the summer of 1864 when overcrowding peaked.

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?

The history of Andersonville Prison is a significant chapter in Georgia’s Civil War narrative. It symbolizes the brutal realities of war and the humane failures experienced during that time, particularly concerning the treatment of prisoners. The prison's legacy raises ethical questions about wartime conduct and contributes to ongoing discussions about human rights and treatment of prisoners. Additionally, the site is now a national memorial, educating visitors about the hardships faced by both Union soldiers and the broader implications of the Civil War on American society.