Providence Spring at Andersonville National Historic Site
PRISON SITE TOUR STOP 2: NORTH GATE AND PROVIDENCE SPRING
A pathway at the parking area for the second stop on a tour of Andersonville Prison leads to Providence Spring, the site where a fresh water spring miraculously burst open during a storm on August 16, 1864. Some say a lightning bolt hit the ground to free the spring; others say a group of Christian prisoners were determined to pray until a miracle happened, and hours later the spring burst forth from the spot where they were praying. Those who discount the religious explanation say the spring was always there and that it had simply been covered up during construction of the prison, ready to flow once again at the slightest disturbance to the area. Regardless, the fresh water was a welcome relief to the original stream that had became clogged with human waste. A memorial pavilion that covers the source of the spring—which still flows—was erected in 1901 by some of the former prisoners.
Memorial Pavilion at Providence Spring at Andersonville National Historic Site
Memorial Fountain inside the Providence Spring pavilion, Andersonville National Historic Site
Providence Spring Fountain dedication plaque, Andersonville National Historic Site
After visiting Providence Spring, take a short walk up the hill from the pavilion to the reconstructed North Gate. This is one of two entrances into the prison. The North Gate and a section of the stockade wall at Stop 7 are the only two areas of the prison that have been reconstructed by the National Park Service. Both are based on archaeological and photographic evidence and are considered to be historically accurate reconstructions.
Reconstructed North Gate of Andersonville Prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
The entrance to the prison was of a double door construction. The outer door was opened and prisoners were led into a holding area. Once that door was locked, the second door was opened and the prisoners were marched into the actual prison.
Double door entrance of Andersonville Prison’s North Gate, Andersonville National Historic Site
Stop 3: South Gate | Stop 1: Andersonville Prison Memorials
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Last updated on May 2, 2022
