Watch Life in the Civil War’s Andersonville Prison
Complete the Andersonville Virtual Field Trip.
What were the conditions for prisoners at Andersonville (make sure to discuss crowding, disease and food and water supply)
Andersonville Prison, officially known as Camp Sumter, was a Confederate military prison located in southwestern Georgia during the Civil War. The conditions for prisoners at Andersonville were deplorable and inhumane. A virtual field trip to Andersonville gives us a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by the inmates.
Crowding: One of the most pressing issues at Andersonville was severe overcrowding. Originally built to hold around 10,000 prisoners, the population at Andersonville reached a staggering 33,000 at its peak. The lack of space meant that prisoners had to live in cramped, makeshift shelters that provided minimal protection from the elements.
Disease: The unsanitary conditions at Andersonville led to the rapid spread of diseases. The lack of proper sanitation systems, combined with the overcrowding, created a breeding ground for various illnesses. Water sources were contaminated, and prisoners were forced to drink from a small creek known as Stockade Branch, which was also used as a latrine. Common diseases like dysentery, scurvy, and typhoid fever ravaged the camp, leading to high mortality rates among the prisoners.
Food and Water Supply: The prisoners at Andersonville suffered from severe malnutrition due to the inadequate food supply. The meager rations provided by the Confederate authorities consisted mainly of cornmeal, sorghum, and occasionally small amounts of pork or beef. The lack of diverse and nutritious diet resulted in widespread nutritional deficiencies and weakened immune systems, making prisoners even more vulnerable to diseases.
Water scarcity was another significant issue. The creek mentioned earlier, Stockade Branch, served as the primary water source for the prisoners. However, it was often contaminated due to its proximity to latrines and the lack of proper waste disposal. This led to an outbreak of diseases related to contaminated water, further exacerbating the prisoners' suffering.
In summary, the conditions at Andersonville Prison during the Civil War were extremely harsh. The overcrowding, combined with the lack of sanitation, proper food, and clean water, created a perfect storm for the rapid spread of disease, resulting in the high mortality rates and immense suffering experienced by the prisoners.