Parole in Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Camp Parole

Photographed By Tom Fuchs, October 8, 2007

1. Camp Parole Marker

Inscription. Located in this vicinity, one of three camps established during the Civil War to accept paroled Union prisoners of war for Confederate prisoners similarly confined in the south. Over the course of the war, thousands of soldiers were held here until they were returned to their regiments or sent home. Many who did not survive are buried in Annapolis National Cemetery

Erected by Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland State Highway Administration.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust series list.

Location. 38° 58.808′ N, 76° 32.263′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is in Parole. Marker is on Solomons Island Road (Maryland Route 2) ¼ mile south of Sommerville Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2371 Solomons Island Rd, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. You Are Here (approx. 0.4 miles away); Political Representation in Ward Three, Parole (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cecil Memorial United Methodist Church

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. half a mile away); Trunk of the Three Mile Oak (approx. half a mile away); Parole Health Center (approx. half a mile away); Parole's Public Schools (approx. 0.6 miles away); The General’s Highway (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.

Also see . . .
1. Annapolis National Cemetery. This Department of Veterans Affairs description of the Annapolis National Cemetery includes a discussion about Camp Parole's history. (Submitted on October 10, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

2. Photograph of Camp Parole Headquarters. The only known photograph of the Camp Parole headquarters, hosted on the Maryland State Archives Website. (Submitted on October 10, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1.
Photo No. 6 and its caption are a little misleading. Camp Parole was not a prisoner of war camp for Confederate Soldiers. The inmates of Camp Parole were Union men who had been captured by the Confederates and had been freed after giving a promise (Parole of Honor) not to fight until or unless they were exchanged.

Cemetery Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, November 5, 2007

2. Cemetery Building Marker

The camp housed these paroled Union soldiers who could not undertake military duties until they could be officially exchanged. It may be possible to find out which of the Union soldier graves in the cemetery represent soldiers who died at Camp Parole, but it is not obvious from a casual visit.

— Submitted July 1, 2013.

National Register of Historic Places Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, November 5, 2007

3. National Register of Historic Places Marker

On the grounds of the Annapolis National Cemetery

Annapolis National Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, November 5, 2007

4. Annapolis National Cemetery

The Annapolis National Cemetery, referenced in the marker, is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of West Street and Taylor Avenue.

Camp Parole Annapolis Maryland image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, circa May 5, 1966

5. Camp Parole Annapolis Maryland

John Frashier Grave Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, November 5, 2007

6. John Frashier Grave Marker

There are a few (less than a dozen) Confederate soldiers buried in the Annapolis National Cemetery. John Frashier, died May 19, 1864, is one of them.

The first Union Army "parole camp" for exchanged Northern prisoners of war, was opened in Annapolis. image. Click for full size.

Public Domain, 1864

7. The first Union Army "parole camp" for exchanged Northern prisoners of war, was opened in Annapolis.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 9,413 times since then and 251 times this year. Last updated on June 27, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on October 9, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on May 19, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 6. submitted on November 6, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 7. submitted on August 22, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.