Conditions for the 400 Union prisoners were miserable. They were crowded in the bridge, which was just a rickety structure. During the winter of 1862, they had to endure the cold without any beds or blankets.

Afraid that the bridge might burn, the Confederate guards did not allow any fires for cooking or warmth. Candles were not allowed either. Exposure and diseases caused frequent deaths among the prisoners. Almost every day, 2 or 3 dead prisoners were taken out of the bridge. Sometimes, the dead bodies would be left at the bridge's entrance until they would be taken away.

Back to top