M any, many Confederates were captured whose families have never known their fate, although prayerful diligence was exercised as long as there was a ray of hope. May this list of thousands of names give consolation to mourning hearts, as it will when found that husband, brother or son, having stood by their colors until overwhelming numbers compelled capitulation, and that whatever opportunities for freedom that may have come to him, all were rejected, and he went down to death a faithful Confederate soldier! Quote from Confederate Veteran magazine, Nashville, TN, January 1898, in reference to the list of the Confederate prisoners of war buried in Ohio.
Today as you pass through the entrance in the stone wall surrounding Camp Chase cemetery, the bustle of Columbus fades behind. Camp Chase encompasses less than two acres, so it is easy to appreciate the entire landscape. More than 2,000 headstones stretch out before your eyes, some so close together they nearly touch. Throughout the cemetery, large old trees with broad canopies offer cool shade on even the hottest summer days. It is hard to imagine that this cemetery was once one of the largest Union Civil War prisoner-of-war camps for thousands of captured troops who served in the Army of the Confederate States of America (CSA).
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About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps Determining the Facts: Readings Visual Evidence: Images
Putting It All Together: Activities |
How the National Register
The lesson is based on the Camp Chase Site, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. |
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