A lifesize replica of part of the wall surrounding the camp
Yankee prisoners of war were forced to fend for themselves when it came
to shelter. Using tent halves, blankets, clothing, tarps, branches, they
would construct makeshift sleeping areas. There were so many men
contained that it would take hours to stand in line for a cup of water
or small portion of food that was inadequate. Replica gates.
One small creek flowed through the camp. It would have been adequate for the 16,000 expected. It was inadequate for 32,000, especially with a latrine next to the creek upstream. The slow moving creek turned the center of the camp into a swamp where men would sink up to their knees or waist to get fouled water. During a dry spell the men prayed for rain and received, a torrential rainstorm broke a spring free, just the other side of the DEAD LINE - cross the line and be shot. Prisoners used tent stakes and branches and tied cups on the end until the stream was diverted to the main creek, supplying fresh water. It became known as Providence Spring.
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