Belle Isle Marker

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Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Belle Isle

By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

1. Belle Isle Marker

Inscription. During the winter of 1863-1864, the island visible from this spot held up to 8,000 Union army prisoners.

After the outbreak of the Civil War, prisoners poured into Richmond. Camps built only as transport stations soon became permanent. Over the course of the war, several thousand Belle Isle prisoners died, many during the harsh winter of 1863, when the entire city was overcrowded and undersupplied.

Erected by Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk.

Location. 37° 32.055′ N, 77° 26.671′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 5th Street and Tredegar Street. Click for map. This marker is on the Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk on Brown's Island. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Three Days in April 1865 (a few steps from this marker); Haxall Headgates (within shouting distance of this marker); Canal Walk / Historic Canals (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Southern Firepower (about 400 feet away); The Gun Foundry (about 400 feet away); Overshot Waterwheel (about 500 feet away); Civil War Visitor Center (about 500 feet away); Gateway to the Civil War (about 500 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Richmond.

Belle Isle is visible in the distance. Photo, Click for full size

By Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2009

2. Belle Isle is visible in the distance.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond Riverfront Canal Walk. Venture Richmond (Submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
2. Brown’s Island. Events, Island history, and directions. (Submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
3. Belle Isle Prison. Civil War Richmond (Submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
4. Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. Richmond National Battlefield Park (Submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
5. The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. (Submitted on November 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)