History in the making: Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison

History of the Camp

Johnson’s Island served as a Prisoner of War depot for Confederate Officers from April, 1862 through September, 1865. During that time, over 10,000 Southern officers found themselves confined on the island. The Confederate Cemetery on Johnson’s Island (the only area publicly owned) contains 206 tombstones commemorating the over 300 prisoners that died while imprisoned here. Prisoners from battles throughout the war ended up imprisoned from weeks to years on Johnson’s Island. The archaeological site of the prison compound and fortification walls from two fortifications represent the main preserved features of the prison.

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.

The Hoffman Battalion with other companies that formed the 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry became the official guards of the prison under the charge of William S. Pierson, former mayor of Sandusky. Because of his cruelty to prisoners and his inability to handle problems and keep the prison in good order, he was replaced. On January 18, 1864 Brigadier General Harry D. Terry replaced Pierson.  A few months later, on May 9, 1864, Colonel Charles W. Hill took command at Johnson’s Island, remaining as such until the end of the war.

As prisoners of war, they daily faced how to cope with their situation, whether to resist, to survive, or to assimilate by taking the Oath of Allegiance. Their choices resulted in a variety of activities taking place. Those contemplating escape spent time preparing…whether disguising as a guard, walking across the frozen lake into Canada, or tunneling from a latrine… any idea took great planning and time to orchestrate. Some prisoners used their talents and limited resources to pass the time by carving rings, broaches, and other jewelry out of hard rubber, bone, and shell. Reading, especially newspapers was important to keep informed of the latest victories and defeats of the War, government actions, and news of exchanges.

Prisoners could receive packages and mail. The mail was inspected and the parcels were searched and often damaged or depleted before the prisoner received them. Consequently prisoners often relied on the sutler store to buy sewing supplies, ink, stationery, clothes, food, combs, toothbrushes, etc. These items could be purchased until late in the war when food, along with other items, were no longer permitted to be sold by the sutler.

The prisoners on Johnson’s Island, along with most of the soldiers that fought in the Civil War endured harsh winters, food and fuel shortages, disease, along with the mental anguish of uncertainty about their families and their own futures. Current research suggests that close to 300 prisoners died on Johnson’s Island during the war.

Source:

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

Please Visit The Official Johnson’s Island Site above.

We would like to thank Dr. Bush, workers and volunteers who allowed us to tag along with them for a day.

I personally would like to Thank Dr. Bush. I attended Heidelberg college and was fortunate to have Dr.Bush as an instructor many times. He allowed me to use the Johnson’s Island archives for my senior thesis paper. He also took one of my classes to the original settlement at Jamestown. We were lucky enough to be able to dig and receive the grand tour. This and many other events were hands on experiences I will never forget.

The Official Johnson’s Island Prisoner of War Site

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