Belle and Mayo Islands in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Canons (sic) and Corpses
Photographed By Dale Nichols, July 13, 2008
1. Canons and Corpses Marker
Big guns on the hill deterred riots - in the over-crowded prison encampment to your left. Few escaped, most died of starvation, dysentery, and disease. In total about 1,000 perished. The cemetery, now empty, was to your right where trees grow today.
Erected by St. Catherine's Middle School.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 31.787′ N, 77° 27.076′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Belle and Mayo Islands. Belle Island can be reached by crossing a foot bridge over the James River, in Richomnd, VA. There is no vehicle access tot he public. A bypass for US Highway 1 301 now runs directly over the prison yard where the Federal prisoners were kept. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23224, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cannon over the Camp (within shouting distance of this marker); Ironworks Oil House (within shouting distance of this marker); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Belle Isle (about 500 feet away); Native American Fishing (about 500 feet away); The Power of Moving Water
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Belle Isle Prison. Encyclopedia Virginia website entry (Submitted on April 10, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Belle Island Prison. Civil War Richmond page. Offers links to photos and other source material about the prison. (Submitted on December 1, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional keywords. Belle Island, POW, prisoner of war, Richmond.
via Encyclopedia Virginia, unknown
2. Belle Isle Prison Camp
A rare Confederate photograph taken in the field shows tents where Union prisoners of war were housed on Belle Isle, an open-air prison located on an island in the James River across from Richmond. The photographer, Charles R. Rees, took the image from a high point on the island; in the distance, at center left, is the Capitol.
Photographed By Dale Nichols
3. Canons and Corpses Marker
Photo shows the POW yard where Federal prisoners were held. Also visible is the overpass for Interstate I-95.
Photographed By Dale Nichols
4. Canons and Corpses Marker
Former graveyard where Federal POW's were buried. The granite stones are arranged in the shape of a cross. All remains were removed after the war and the soldiers reburied in Federal cemeteries.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2008, by Dale Nichols of Newport News, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,623 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 30, 2008, by Dale Nichols of Newport News, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 10, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on November 30, 2008, by Dale Nichols of Newport News, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
