Reconstructed Andersonville Prison wall as seen from the outside the prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
PRISON SITE TOUR STOP 7: STOCKADE RECONSTRUCTION
As the result of historical excavations, the National Park Service was able to reconstruct a section of the northeast stockade that is identical to the wall that would have completely enclosed Andersonville Prison when it was in operation. Two pigeon roosts, or guard towers, have also been reconstructed. The towers stood every 100 feet along the wall.
Being close to the prisoners, guards often died from the same diseases, and as a group, they had a very high death rate. The guards were mainly men and boys who were too old or too young to fight in actual combat. Other than shooting anyone who tried to escape, they had no control over what went on inside. If you’ve ever seen the movie Escape from New York with Kurt Russell, that’s the exact situation that was going on inside Andersonville Prison.
Reconstructed “pigeon roost” at Andersonville Prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
Just outside the wall is a stocks, a wooden device used to hold prisoners by the feet.
Stocks similar to those use at Andersonville Prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
Though the original wall is long gone, the entire prison site boundary is marked with white posts to indicate the location of the stockade. Another post marks the deadline. The area between the stockade and the deadlline was No Man’s Land, and anyone entering this area would be shot by a guard in the tower.
Posts mark the location of the original stockade wall and the deadline at Andersonville Prison, Andersonville National Historic Site
Stop 8: The Wells | Stop 6: Shelter Corner
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on September 13, 2023
