In a state as old as Georgia, there are obviously going to be some urban legends and rumors of ghosts and spirits lurking about. We’ve got plenty of places here that are popular with ghost hunters. Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the South, and many historic spots in Atlanta and Augusta allegedly have ghosts of their own. But rumors of spooky occurrences aren’t just limited to our bigger cities. The town of Andersonville has under 1,000 residents, but this is one of the most haunted small towns in Georgia. The place has a history that is absolutely tragic and you don’t have to be a strong believer in the supernatural to feel like spirits could easily lurk here!
The name “Andersonville” is synonymous with the horrors of the Civil War. The city held Camp Sumter, the largest of the 150 military prisons that existed during the war.
Andersonville, GA
Over 45,000 Union soldiers were imprisoned at Camp Sumter during the 14 months it was in operation. Out of those, nearly 13,000 died due to the deplorable conditions at the camp.
Wikimedia Commons Intense overcrowding, disease, and lack of supplies all contributed to the high death toll.
Reports from the time period describe horrific conditions, with filth and excrement everywhere. Lice, rats, and maggots were all common sights.
John L. Ransom/Wikimedia Commons Prisoners were not given shelter and had to make do with what they could fashion. Many slept in holes in the ground, sheltering from the rain and sun with pine boughs.
The evils and trauma that this place has seen make it very easy to feel like spirits could lurk here even centuries later.
Dsdugan/Wikimedia Commons Visitors report seeing the ghosts of Union soldiers wandering aimlessly through the area where they were once held captive.
Andersonville is now home to the National Prisoner of War Museum, where visitors can learn more about POWs from the Civil War and beyond.
National Park Service
And who knows? You may even spot a ghost on your visit to this historic site.
Gary Todd/Flickr
Have you ever visited the Andersonville National Historic Site? Do you think ghosts could lurk there today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Andersonville, GA
Wikimedia Commons
Intense overcrowding, disease, and lack of supplies all contributed to the high death toll.
John L. Ransom/Wikimedia Commons
Prisoners were not given shelter and had to make do with what they could fashion. Many slept in holes in the ground, sheltering from the rain and sun with pine boughs.
Dsdugan/Wikimedia Commons
Visitors report seeing the ghosts of Union soldiers wandering aimlessly through the area where they were once held captive.
National Park Service
Gary Todd/Flickr
Have you ever visited the Andersonville National Historic Site? Do you think ghosts could lurk there today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Have you ever visited the Andersonville National Historic Site? Do you think ghosts could lurk there today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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Address: Andersonville, GA 31711, USA
