Camp Mather-Camp Logan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp Mather-Camp Logan
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Overview of the camp
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10765 IL 13, Shawneetown, Illinois |
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| Area | 196 acres (79 ha) |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival |
| MPS | Caught in the Middle: The Civil War on the Lower Ohio River MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000983 |
| Added to NRHP | August 6, 1998 |
Camp Mather-Camp Logan was an important campsite during the American Civil War. It was located near Shawneetown, Illinois in Illinois. This place was originally a farm owned by Henry and Mary Eddy. It became a temporary home for Union soldiers from 1861 to 1863.
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What Was Camp Mather-Camp Logan?
This historic site was once the farm and summer home of Henry and Mary Eddy. After Henry passed away in 1849, Mary managed the farm. When the Civil War began, her farm became a military camp.
Early Days as Camp Mather
In December 1861, the Union Army started using the farm. The soldiers of the 56th Illinois Infantry were the first to set up camp here. They named it Camp Mather. This name honored Thomas S. Mather, who was the Adjutant General for Illinois. An Adjutant General is a senior military officer who helps manage an army's administration.
Camp Mather was one of two Union Army camps near Shawneetown. The other camp was called Camp Katie Yates. Both camps were part of the Department of the Ohio, which was a large military area.
Camp Hospital and Measles Outbreak
The Eddy family's summer home was turned into a hospital for the camp. During the winter of 1861-1862, there was a serious outbreak of measles among the soldiers. Many soldiers became very sick, and eight of them sadly passed away. The camp hospital worked hard to treat everyone.
Life at Camp Logan
By the fall of 1862, a new group of soldiers arrived. These were the men of the 87th Illinois Infantry. At this time, the camp's name changed to Camp Logan.
The soldiers of the 87th Infantry faced a tough time. They waited for several months at Camp Logan for new assignments and transportation. During this period, they did not receive their pay. This situation caused a lot of frustration. Two companies of soldiers almost had a mutiny. A mutiny is when soldiers refuse to obey their commanders. Luckily, the situation was resolved.
End of Union Occupation
In March 1863, the 87th Illinois Infantry left Camp Logan. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee. This marked the end of the Union Army's use of the campsite.
Historic Recognition
Camp Mather-Camp Logan is an important historical site. It helps us remember the role Illinois played in the Civil War. On August 6, 1998, the campsite was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a place important to the history of the United States.
