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photo: Library of Congress

Why go there?

Andersonville National Historic Site preserves the former Andersonville Prison, also known as Camp Sumter, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the final 14 months of the American Civil War. The prison was built in February 1864 to relieve overcrowding at other Confederate prisons and held more than 45,000 Union soldiers. Almost 13,000 Union captives died from disease, malnutrition, exposure, or overcrowding, and are buried in the Andersonville National Cemetery, where veterans continue to be buried today. The site also houses the National Prisoner of War Museum, a testament to the plight of prisoners of war.

About the Park

  • Historical

  • Cemetery

  • Historic sites

  • Walking trails

  • Tours

  • Interpretive programs and special events

  • Picnicking

  • Gift shop

  • Visitor center

  • Films

  • Audio tours

  • Civil War

  • Guided tours

  • Museum

Half dome

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