Andersonville, or Camp Sumter as it was officially known, was one of the largest of many Confederate military prisons established during the Civil War. It was built early in 1864 after Confederate officials decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners kept in and around Richmond, Virginia, to a place of greater security and a more abundant food supply . During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements.

Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is the only park in the National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation's history.

The 515-acre park consists of the historic prison site and the National Cemetery. Congress stated in the authorizing legislation that this park's purpose is "to provide an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps, and to preserve the monuments located within the site".

In 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum opened at Andersonville, dedicated to the men and women of this country who have suffered captivity. Their story is one of sacrifice and courage.

 Directions 

Plane - The nearest airports are in Columbus (east), Macon and Atlanta (north).

Car - Andersonville National Historic Site is located 10 miles north of Americus, Georgia on GA Route 49.

Driving Directions:

From North GA area follow I-75 South to Exit 135, GA Route 127 (Perry-Marshallville Exit). Turn right onto GA Route 127. GA Route 127 will veer off to the left after approximately 2 miles of travel. Stay to the left onto GA Route 224 which will lead to Montezuma, GA, approximatley 20 miles. In Montezuma, GA, GA Route 224 will intersect with GA Route 26. Turn right at this intersection. Follow GA Route 26 until it intersects with GA Route 49. Turn left onto GA Route 49 and follow about 6 miles to the park entrance on your left.

From South GA area follow I-75 North to exit 101, US 30, US 280 (Cordele, GA.) Follow US 280 West to Americus, GA. From Americus turn right onto GA Route 49 North to Andersonville. Park entrance is on the right.

From the Columbus, GA, area follow US 28