Andersonville Prison Andersonville Prison was originally named Camp Sumter by the Confederates. However, since the Union was not familiar with that name, and since the prison was near the small town of Andersonville, the prison has gone down in history simply as “Andersonville.”

During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union Solders were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union Solders were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. The first prisoners were brought to Andersonville in February, During the next few months approximately 400 more arrived each day until, by the end of June, some 26,000 men were confined in a prison area originally intended to hold 13,000. The largest number held at any one time was more than 32,000- about the population of present-day Sumter County. The first prisoners were brought to Andersonville in February, During the next few months approximately 400 more arrived each day until, by the end of June, some 26,000 men were confined in a prison area originally intended to hold 13,000. The largest number held at any one time was more than 32,000- about the population of present-day Sumter County.

Captain Henry Wirz was the commander of Andersonville. There is much controversy about his role in the conditions of the prison. He is the only person who was charged with and executed for war crimes in the Civil War. Captain Henry Wirz was the commander of Andersonville. There is much controversy about his role in the conditions of the prison. He is the only person who was charged with and executed for war crimes in the Civil War.

This is an actual photograph of a prisoner who was released from Andersonville. Now, it may be easy to understand why they called it “Hell on Earth.”

Andersonville Today Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is the home of the National Prisoner Of War Museum and a national military cemetery. The site of the stockade is home to many monuments and part of a re-created stockade. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is the home of the National Prisoner Of War Museum and a national military cemetery. The site of the stockade is home to many monuments and part of a re-created stockade. Nearby is the village of Andersonville and the home of Capt. Henry Wirz. Nearby is the village of Andersonville and the home of Capt. Henry Wirz.