Andersonville Prison: Civil War Prison Conditions — Reading Comprehension

During the American Civil War, Andersonville Prison became infamous for its harsh and deadly conditions. Located in Georgia and officially named Camp Sumter, Andersonville was built by the Confederacy in 1864 to hold captured Union soldiers. The prison was designed for 10,000 men, but by August 1864, more than 32,000 were confined within its wooden walls. Overcrowding quickly became a serious crisis.

The causes of Andersonville’s terrible conditions were complex. The Confederacy faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and building materials. Union military blockades made it even harder to supply the prison, resulting in a lack of shelter and inadequate rations. Prisoners suffered from malnutrition, disease, and exposure. In a letter to his family, Union prisoner John Ransom wrote, “We have no shelter but what we can make with our blankets and sticks…many die every day.” This primary source reveals the daily reality for many prisoners and emphasizes the human cost of war.

From the Confederate perspective, officials argued that they struggled to care for prisoners because they lacked resources. The prison’s commander, Captain Henry Wirz, insisted he did all he could given the circumstances. However, many historians point out that Confederate leaders made deliberate choices not to improve the situation, even as death rates rose. The Union government also refused to restart prisoner exchanges, hoping to weaken the Confederacy by burdening it with thousands of men to feed. This policy increased suffering on both sides.

Conditions inside Andersonville were shocking. Prisoners lived in open stockades without proper shelter. The only water source, a small stream, quickly became polluted by human waste. This led to outbreaks of deadly diseases such as dysentery and scurvy. Guards, following orders, enforced strict rules and sometimes used violence. Yet, some guards expressed sympathy, sharing their own food or turning a blind eye to minor rule-breaking. These contradictions show that individuals within the system made different choices, shaped by their own beliefs and circumstances.

The consequences of Andersonville’s conditions were devastating. Nearly 13,000 Union prisoners died there, making it one of the deadliest prison camps in American history. After the war, Captain Wirz was tried and executed for war crimes, a rare case of an individual being punished for prison conditions. Some argued he was a scapegoat, while others believed justice was served. The legacy of Andersonville became a powerful reminder of the importance of humane treatment for prisoners of war.

Historians continue to debate who was responsible for the horrors at Andersonville. Some blame only the Confederacy, while others recognize that both sides’ decisions contributed to the tragedy. The story of Andersonville challenges us to consider the ethical responsibilities of leaders during wartime, and how ordinary people are affected by larger political conflicts.

Interesting Fact: The site of Andersonville Prison is now a national historic site, dedicated to all American prisoners of war.

Where was Andersonville Prison located?

What was Andersonville originally called?

Who was the commander of Andersonville?

Why did conditions at Andersonville worsen?

What was the main water source at Andersonville?

What does the primary source quote show?

Andersonville was built during World War II.

What is a 'blockade'?