Saturday, November 24, 2012

Andersonville National Historic Site

Andersonville National Historic Site,Deadline,Pigeon Roosts,Shebangs,Providence Spring,Raiders,Regulators

MQTlogoaThanks for stopping by.

Andersonville Prison: National Prisoner of War Museum: Andersonville National Cemetery. For the purpose of this post we will concentrate on Andersonville Prison & Cemetery.

Map picture

On our way to Florida we took a side trip to Andersonville National Historic Site and I am so glad we did. During the war, 45,000 prisoners were received at Andersonville prison, and of these 12,913 died. When you are standing in the middle of the prison  (basically an open field) this is a very sobering thought.

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MAP

The prison, which opened in February 1864,originally covered about 16.5 acres  of land enclosed by a 15-foot (4.6 m) high stockade. In June 1864 it was enlarged to 26.5 acres . The stockade was in the shape of a rectangle 1,620 feet by 779 feet . There were two entrances on the west side of the stockade, known as "north entrance" and "south entrance.

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This shows the low ground in the middle of the prison and the creek running thru it.

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The outer row of white posts represent: STOCKADE

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The DEADLINE represents the inner row. If a prisoner touched or crossed the DEADLINE they were killed by the sentries located in the pigeon roosts.

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STOCKADE with PIGEON ROOSTS…………………………….

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Many prisoners were without shelter and constructed crude dwellings known as "shebangs," made from various items including cloth, mud bricks, tree limbs, and brush.

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The Miracle of Providence Spring:::::

“Stockade Creek was the name for the pitiful stream which ran through the lower third of the prison ground. With the exception of several small wells dug by prisoners, it was Andersonville’s only source of water; but before it ever entered the prison it was befouled by the cooking and contamination from the adjacent Confederate guards’ camp outside the stockade. The low banks and areas all around Stockade Creek became a vast and fetid morass in a very short time, for it was also used as the prison’s open latrine.”

August 13, the great cloud appeared. DSC_0087DSC_0107

Suddenly, there came a thunderous, deafening roar. From men who knew the sound all too well, it was said to be like the explosion of a thousand cannon.

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“At the place where the fiery lightening struck there was another tremendous explosion, and a stunning eruption of earth and steam filled the air. Instantly, torrents of fresh water gushed from the blasted, broken ground, pouring forth and coursing into the prison. This awesome water was cool and clean, and its flow was to become a permanent thing.”

DSC_0096  “To know the story of the Miracle of Providence Spring is to understand that there remain accessible, powerful mysteries and rarified spaces where rare things have occurred, and where they continue to resonate on what can only be described as hallowed ground – at least at a place called Andersonville.” Read the whole story by  Richard Salzberg

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When Linda and I stood at Providence Spring a true feeling of awe came over us and the word awe doesn’t adequately describe the “feeling.”

A quick bite to eat and then Andersonville National Cemetery. (Linda and I really enjoy a good picnic.)

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Despite the  conditions which existed in the prison camps of both sides, the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia has come to symbolize the worst of all of the camps.It serves to represent the very worst aspects of America’s vicious war between countrymen and brothers.”

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Read about The “RAIDERS” & “REGULATORS” inside the prison CLICK…I had not heard this story. Another post will be dedicated to the National Prisoner of War Museum.

DSC_0002 Joe Todd reporting from the land of cotton. In summary, I will return to Andersonville Prison if at all possible just to be able to stand in the middle of the prison and at Providence Spring..IT IS SPECIAL

Take the time to visit Our World Tuesday

Andersonville National Historic Site,Deadline,Pigeon Roosts,Shebangs,Providence Spring,Raiders,Regulators

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7 comments:

Lona said...

I am sure this visit was one that would make a person feel solemn and speechless. The horrors it brings to my mind. All those markers. Thanks for the visit Joe through your pictures. Snow flurries here in the hills today.

Snowbrush said...

I've been there and will never forget it. Among the things that stood out for me were the story of the doctor doing dangerous medical studies on the prisoners , and the game the guards liked to play of throwing tobacco inside the deadline, and then shooting whoever went for it. I've read that the craving for tobacco became for many even stronger than the craving for food. THAT's saying a powerful lot about an addiction.

Sylvia K said...

An incredible pic-journey to an infamous place! I've read the horror stories for years! It's strange that it looks so peaceful now!! So many markers!! Thanks for sharing another of your trips, as always! Hope you have a good week!

Unknown said...

Great tour, Joe!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Fun60 said...

Those headstones tell a story all of their own. Thank-you for your informative blog.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

What a great post, the story of Providence Spring is wonderful. I have a new item for my bucket list.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joe: This story certainly reminded me of my trip to Germany and visiting the prison camp. I'm sure the prisoners were treated better here then in Germany.