Visit to Andersonville Prison
The camp 1864
Since becoming involved with the Shrivers’ story, a wealth of information has been discovered about Hettie and the Shriver children, Sadie and Mollie. But, little was understood about what George endured while a prisoner of war. A visit to Andersonville National Historic Site changed all that.
Graves
George W. Shriver mustered into Co. C., of Maryland's Cole's Cavalry in September, 1861, just months after the Civil War broke out. On New Year’s Day, 1864, George was one of 12 men captured in a skirmish with Mosby's Raiders near Rectortown, Virginia. About that same time a stockade was being constructed in Andersonville, Georgia, to house Union prisoners of war. George's fate would be forever sealed in that small southern town.
The 16 ½ acre stockade was constructed to house 6,000 Union prisoners. The number of prisoners grew to over 25,000 by June, 1864. Conditions worsened daily. Prisoners were dying of diarrhea, dysentery, scurvy, and pneumonia. During the 14 months the camp was in operation, more than 45,000 Union prisoners passed through the gates - 12,914 never left alive. They were buried in shallow graves, shoulder to shoulder. The months George spent there were ones of terror, starvation and sadness.
The 16 ½ acre stockade was constructed to house 6,000 Union prisoners. The number of prisoners grew to over 25,000 by June, 1864. Conditions worsened daily. Prisoners were dying of diarrhea, dysentery, scurvy, and pneumonia. During the 14 months the camp was in operation, more than 45,000 Union prisoners passed through the gates - 12,914 never left alive. They were buried in shallow graves, shoulder to shoulder. The months George spent there were ones of terror, starvation and sadness.
George Shriver Marker
When in southern Georgia, consider a visit to Andersonville National Historic Site and The National Prisoner of War Museum. Visit their website for more information and additional reading.
Andersonville Prison Website
Andersonville Prison Website