How do we know about the conditions at Andersonville? What primary sources/artifacts have historians used to learn about life at Andersonville?

Question

(one pragraph)

Answer 1

Historians have been able to learn about the conditions at Andersonville through various primary sources and artifacts. One key source is the diaries and letters written by prisoners during their time at the camp. These personal accounts provide firsthand descriptions of the overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, as well as the lack of food and medical care. Additionally, official reports and documents from the Confederate prison authorities have been used to understand the organization and management of the camp. Archaeological excavations at the site have also provided valuable artifacts, such as fragments of prisoners' personal belongings, which offer insight into their daily lives and experiences. By analyzing these primary sources and artifacts, historians have pieced together a comprehensive understanding of the conditions endured by the prisoners at Andersonville.