Life in the Civil War's Andersonville Prison

Answer the following questions using detailed, complete sentences.

Why do you think the geographical location of Andersonville was chosen?

1 answer

The geographical location of Andersonville was likely chosen for several strategic reasons. First, it was situated in a remote area of Georgia, which made it more difficult for Union forces to mount a rescue or escape operation. This remoteness also meant less likelihood of Union sympathizers being nearby to assist prisoners. Additionally, the location was relatively central to the conflict, allowing the Confederate government to transport captured Union soldiers efficiently to the prison. The site itself, with its natural topography, could be easily fortified and enclosed, providing a secure environment for detaining large numbers of prisoners. Furthermore, the surrounding land offered limited resources, making it challenging for prisoners to escape or sustain themselves outside the prison confines. These factors combined made Andersonville a practical choice for a military prison during the Civil War.