View of the Andersonville Prison site from Star Fort at Andersonville National Historic Site
PRISON SITE TOUR STOP 4: STAR FORT
The Star Fort served as the Confederate headquarters for Andersonville Prison due to its location on a hill that offered a bird’s eye view of the prison grounds. The earthen fort was armed with nine cannon—technically called 3-inch Ordnance Rifles—with a range of .5 mile. Four of the guns were pointed away from the prison to help fight off any Union cavalry attacks. The other five guns were aimed at the prison.
3-inch Ordnance Rifle on display at the Star Fort, Andersonville National Historic Site
Though eroded over time, the outline of the Star Fort’s earthen walls can still be seen.
The original Star Fort walls at Andersonville Prison are now small hills due to 150 years of erosion, Andersonville National Historic Site
A prison hospital was located next to the fort. All that stands at the site today is an information panel.
Site of Andersonville Prison’s hospital, Andersonville National Historic Site
As you walk or drive around Andersonville Prison, you will see similar forts at all four corners. While the Star Fort served as the command center for the prison itself, the purpose of the other forts was to protect the prison from a possible Union attack.
One of the many earthen forts surrounding Andersonville Prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
Stop 5: The Sinks | Stop 3: South Gate
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Last updated on September 13, 2023
