OSHER 549 - Road to Andersonville Prison

Learn the real story of Fort Sumter, also known as Andersonville Prison, in Macon County, Georgia. Andersonville had the highest mortality rate of any Civil War prison. Nearly 30% of the men held at Andersonville died from malnutrition and disease. Study the history through experiences of the prisoners, guards, and the federal troops finding Fort Sumter during Sherman's March to the Sea. Students will be introduced to the build-up of Andersonville, the treatment of the prisoners by the guards, stories told by the prisoners, the story of the guards and how they were treated by their own kind, and the trial and hanging of the prison manager, Captain Henry Wirz.