History Documented

Johnson’s Island Prisoner of War Depot

“From April of 1862 until September of 1865, over 10,000 Confederates passed through Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison leaving behind an extensive historical and archaeological record. Many of these officers recorded in journals or diaries the day to day happenings, emotions, and conditions they were enduring. They also spent many hours writing letters, collecting autographs from prisoners, and sketching maps. These documents give vast insight into what prison life was like, as well as the personal conflicts and hardships encountered among families and friends during the Civil War.

The 16.5 acre Johnson’s Island Prison Compound contained 13 Blocks (12 as prisoner housing units and one as a hospital), latrines, sutler’s stand, 3 wells, pest house, 2 large mess halls (added in August, 1864) and more. The Blocks were two stories high and approximately 130 by 24 feet. There were more than 40 buildings outside the stockade (barns, stables, a lime kiln, forts, barracks for officers, a powder magazine, etc.) used by the 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry to guard the prison. The two major fortifications (Forts Johnson and Hill) protecting Johnson’s Island were constructed over the 1864/65 winter, and were operational by March of 1865

Archaeological and Historical Study

Over the past 15 years, there have been hundreds that have donated their time to the discovery of Johnson’s Island past. Their work has been critical in all the various aspects of our programs. Early in the investigations, we had the Center for Field Research’s EarthWatch program at Johnson’s Island. Since that time, we have had many spend countless hours participating at the site, in the labs and transcribing documents.”

( http://www2.heidelberg.edu/johnsonsisland/index.html )

This is just a little bit of info about the Prison. Please visit the link above to find out more about the work being done there by Dr. Bush the Head archaeologist and the many volunteers.