Andersonville National Historic Site, Andersonville

The Andersonville National Historic Site, located in the small city of Andersonville, Georgia, United States, serves as a poignant reminder of the American Civil War's darkest chapters. This site is primarily known for its cemetery and the history it holds as a former Confederate prisoner-of-war camp.

Established to preserve the legacy of all American prisoners of war, the historic site encompasses the Andersonville National Cemetery and the site of the former Camp Sumter military prison. The cemetery is a solemn ground, home to row upon row of white headstones, marking the final resting place of Union soldiers who perished in the prison camp, as well as other American veterans.

Visitors to the Andersonville National Historic Site can explore the grounds where over 45,000 Union soldiers were confined during the last 14 months of the Civil War, with nearly 13,000 succumbing to the harsh conditions and diseases that plagued the camp. The site includes a museum that provides a comprehensive historical account of American POWs, with a particular focus on the experiences at Camp Sumter.

The National Prisoner of War Museum, part of the historic site, offers a deeply moving experience, with exhibits that trace the struggles and sacrifices of American POWs in conflicts throughout history. The museum's displays and multimedia presentations aim to honor these individuals and educate visitors about the realities of being a prisoner of war.