Andersonville in Georgia was not a major battle site, although there were several smaller fights within and outside the prison walls, it's included in these Civil War Battle sites, because this was the infamous Conderate prison which in 1864, held 33,000 prisoners making it the fifth largest city in the Confederacy. Andersonville was chosen as a prison site for captured Union soldiers because of the deep south location, the availability of fresh water, its proximity to the Southwestern Railroad, and had a population of less than 20 persons. It was originally built on 16.5 acres to hold 10,000 prisoners. It was later expanded to 26.5 acres and crowded in 33,000 prisoners. Near the end of the war, as the North was advancing, most prisoners were transferred to various other sites. During the 14 months of 1864 and '65 which Andersonville was operated, almost 13,000 Union prisoners died there of malnutrition, exposure, and disease due to inadequate facilities, sanitation, personnel, medical supplies, and food.
Today, Andersonville is a National Historic Site and serves as a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation's history. The 515-acre park (open year-round) includes the historic prison site, National Cemetery, and museum.
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