Andersonville National Historic Site

Andersonville National Historic Site is a somber reminder of the horrors endured by Civil War prisoners of war. Located in Andersonville, Georgia, this site preserves the former Camp Sumter Confederate military prison.

During the Civil War in the 1860s, the Andersonville prison was one of the largest and most notorious prisoner of war camps in the South. It operated for only 14 months but held over 45,000 Union soldiers, with nearly 13,000 of them perishing due to disease, malnutrition, and overcrowding. The conditions at the camp were utterly appalling, and the site now serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme suffering endured by prisoners during this dark chapter in American history.

The Andersonville National Historic Site offers visitors a chance to explore the reconstructed prison site and learn about the experiences of the soldiers who were imprisoned there. The centerpiece of the site is the National Prisoner of War Museum, where artifacts, exhibits, and educational programs provide poignant insights into the hardships faced by those who were held captive. The museum sheds light on not only the experiences of Andersonville prisoners but also captures the broader history of American POWs from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

In addition to the prison site and museum, Andersonville National Historic Site also features several other points of interest. Visitors can explore the Andersonville National Cemetery, where the remains of those who died in the prison camp are interred. The cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and offers a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance.

Located in rural southwest Georgia, Andersonville is surrounded by natural beauty and other attractions. Nearby Providence Canyon State Park, known as the "Little Grand Canyon," offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. Additionally, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, which honors the 39th President of the United States, is also in close proximity.

Overall, Andersonville National Historic Site stands as a memorial to the suffering endured by prisoners during the Civil War. Its museum, prison site, and cemetery provide insights into this dark period of American history. Combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, Andersonville offers a unique educational and contemplative experience for visitors.

Andersonville National Historic Site is located in southwestern Georgia, specifically in Macon County. Nestled in the heart of the state, the site is situated approximately 60 miles southwest of Macon and 40 miles northeast of Albany. Its position near the border of Georgia and Alabama adds to its historical significance. Set amidst a picturesque landscape, Andersonville National Historic Site rests on the eastern side of Dr. Jonathan P. Hipp Lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. This serene and serene setting offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the important events that occurred during the American Civil War.

Address & Contact

National Prisoner of War Museum
National Prisoner of War Museum
Andersonville, GA 31711
Driving Directions
Phone: 2299240343
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Andersonville National Historic Site would be in the months of March, April, May, September, or October. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 69°F to 83°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months ranges from 2.9 in to 4.7 in, indicating moderate rainfall. These months also attract a reasonable number of visitors. Choosing these months would allow visitors to enjoy the site without encountering large crowds while experiencing comfortable weather conditions.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Andersonville National Historic Site are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Camping Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Group Camping

Topics

Learn about these topics at Andersonville National Historic Site: Native American Heritage Tragic Events Military African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Schools and Education Women's History American Revolution Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Civil War World War I Incarceration World War II Enslavement War of 1812 Mexican War Spanish-American War Korean War Vietnam War Cold War National Cemetery Hispanic American Heritage Forced Marches French and Indian War Jails and Prisons

Visitor Centers

National Prisoner of War Museum

At the National Prisoner of War Museum, the story of American prisoners of war (POWs) is powerfully presented through exhibits, audio-visual displays, and historic artifacts. The museum serves as the park's visitor center. You can find information, audio tours, and a gift shop with items about Andersonville, the Civil War, and POWs of other American wars. The museum has a theater where you can view two 30-minute films, including one about Andersonville and one about all American POWs.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: National Prisoner of War Museum.

Campsites within or near Andersonville National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Andersonville National Historic Site

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Perry GA

Located in Perry, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Perry GA is a 2-minute drive from Perry Area Historical Museum and 5 minutes from Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Marketplace Drive, I-75 exit 136, Perry, Georgia 31069
Web: Link

Quality Inn Americus

With a stay at Quality Inn Americus in Americus, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and multilingual staff. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1205 S Martin Luther King Blvd, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Econo Lodge

With a stay at Econo Lodge, you'll be centrally located in Americus, within a 10-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1611 E Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Perry GA

Located in Perry, Travelodge by Wyndham Perry GA is within a 5-minute drive of Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter and Perry Area Historical Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Westview Ln, I-75, Exit 135, Perry, Georgia 31069
Web: Link

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Valley

When you stay at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Valley in Fort Valley, you'll be 8 minutes by car from Massee Lane Gardens. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 300 Commercial Heights, HWY 49 and 9, 6 and 341, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Americus

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Americus, you'll be centrally located in Americus, within a 10-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1605 E Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel

A stay at Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel places you in the heart of Americus, a 1-minute drive from Global Village & Discovery Center and 9 minutes from Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Americus? This hotel has facilities measuring 5000 square feet (465 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 125 W Lamar St, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Americus

A stay at Hampton Inn Americus places you in the heart of Americus, a 3-minute drive from Global Village & Discovery Center and 8 minutes from Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1609 E Lamar St, Americus, Georgia 31709
Web: Link

Motel 6 Perry, GA

With a stay at Motel 6 Perry, GA in Perry, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Perry Area Historical Museum and Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1004-A Saint Patrick's Drive, Perry, Georgia 31069
Web: Link

Motel 6 Americus, GA

Located in Americus, Motel 6 Americus, GA is within a 15-minute drive of Global Village & Discovery Center and Statue of Charles Lindbergh. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and lockers. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1007 South Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd, Americus, Georgia 31719
Web: Link