The Union Prisoners of War at Camp Douglas

Description

Register and join us in person to learn about the largest surrender of U.S. forces prior to World War II. On September 15, 1862, 12,000 Union soldiers were captured at Harper's Ferry by Stonewall Jackson. 8,000 of these men were shipped by train to Chicago, where they were held in Camp Douglas, recently converted into a prisoner-of-war and detention camp, until exchanged for the release of Confederate soldiers. Their experience in Chicago was harsh, and many died of illness and suffered from severe discipline and a breakdown in morale, leading to rioting, destruction of property, and desertion before order was restored and changes began. More than 300 died and are buried in Chicago cemeteries.