We went to Andersonville to learn about the conditions in American Cival War prisoner of war camps.  Camp Sumter (the offical name of the Andersonville prison) was open and active for only fifteen months and was designed to hold 8,000 prisoners.  In July and August of 1864 the population swelled to over 30,000. The prisoners lived in an open feild of about 26 acres.  During the time the prison was open 12,992 prisoners died from various causes ranging from scurvy to murder.

I recomend this trip to anyone that is interested in history or that is in the military.  It is a great way to explain and show what can happen in war if leadership fails.

Chuck Prevatte is a regular contributor to The Amateur Traveler.  His travels include North America, Europe and the Middle East.  He lives in the Boston Area and is happily  married for fifteen years and the father of three children, a 10 year old girl, a six year old boy and a newborn .

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