Andersonville in Macon County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Earthwork Defenses
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 8, 2008
1. Earthwork Defenses Marker
Half the cannon faced outward to defend against Union cavalry raids—spinoffs from Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. The other half were loaded with canister and trained on the prison grounds.
When the prison was operating, deep ditches fronted the earthworks. Palisades closed the rear of these V-shaped gun emplacements.
"We have here largely over 24,000 prisoners of war, and 1,205 very raw troops—with the measles prevailing, badly armed and worse disciplined—to guard them. With the present force, a raid on the post would almost of necessity be successful."
Brig. Gen. John Henry Winder, Prison Commander
(caption)
Time and erosion have modified the elaborate earthwork defenses, but the outlines are still visible. As you tour Andersonville, study the system of defenses, including the rifle-pits and Star Fort. The design reflects the prison officers' state of mind—the fear of uprising from the inside and attack from the outside.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 32° 11.824′ N, 84° 7.653′ W. Marker is in Andersonville, Georgia, in Macon County.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. This Was Andersonville (within shouting distance of this marker); Oflag 64 Prisoners of War (within shouting distance of this marker); 27th Bombardment Group (within shouting distance of this marker); American Ex-Prisoners of War (within shouting distance of this marker); To the Vermonters who Perished at Andersonville (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to POWs at Hiroshima, Japan (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battling Bastards of Bataan (within shouting distance of this marker); Monuments and Memories (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Andersonville.
Also see . . . Andersonville National Historic Site. National Park Service (Submitted on October 2, 2015.)
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 8, 2008
2. Earthwork Defenses Marker Map
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 8, 2008
3. Earthwork Defenses Marker Illustration
Earthwork Defenses location (yellow arrow).
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 8, 2008
4. Earthwork Defenses Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 424 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 1, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
