Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Camp Ford Stockade
Confederate Prisoner of War Camp
— Union Prisoners —
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012
1. Camp Ford Stockade Marker
The initial prisoners to arrive at Camp Ford were kept in the open with no stockade. Panic resulted with the arrival with over 600 prisoners October 23, 1863. The Camp Commander, Col. R.T.P. Allen, with only 40 guards, discovered a plot among the prisoners for a mass break out. Planters in the area were called upon to bring their slaves and erect a stockade. The work commenced on November 11 and within 10 days an area of about three and a half acres was enclosed with a wall made of split logs standing sixteen feet out of the ground.The west wall ran about ten yards east of this location. The main gate was not discovered during the archaeological work, but is thought to be about 75 yards to the south. Immediately outside the gate was the "wolf pen" where prisoners would be held for disciplinary reasons, as well as a cabin for the officer on guard.
Erected by Smith County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 23, 1867.
Location. 32° 23.809′ N, 95° 16.052′ W.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Camp Ford (within shouting distance of this marker); Cabin of Lt. Col. J.B. Leake (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Ford - Establishment of the Camp (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Ford Confederate Guards (about 300 feet away); Camp Ford - Early Days as a Prison Camp (about 300 feet away); Camp Ford - Prisoners from Louisiana (about 300 feet away); African Americans at Camp Ford (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tyler.
Regarding Camp Ford Stockade. Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. Established in August of 1863, the camp was not closed until May 19, 1865. At its peak in July 1864, over 5,300 prisoners were detained there. (Smith County Historical Society)
Photographed By Camp Ford Stockade Marker, September 17, 2012
2. Camp Ford Stockade Marker
Period drawing of slaves building a stockade. The work here would have been similar.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012
3. Camp Ford Stockade recreation
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012
4. 1936 State of Texas marker: Camp Ford stockade prison of Federal soldiers during the Civil War
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 28, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
