Camp Misery facts for kids
Camp Misery was a Union military camp during the American Civil War. It was set up in 1861 near the Rappahannock River. The camp was first called Camp Butler. But it got its sad new name, Camp Misery, because of a very hard winter in 1862.
A Very Hard Winter: 1862
The winter of 1862 was one of the toughest during the American Civil War. Soldiers at Camp Butler faced many challenges. They suffered from diseases like pneumonia, cholera, smallpox, and dysentery. These illnesses spread easily because soldiers lived close together.
Poor food and not enough warm clothes or good shelters made things worse. The camp also held prisoners. Sadly, over 148 prisoners died in just two and a half weeks because of the terrible health conditions.
About 3 to 4 soldiers died each day at Camp Butler. On some days, as many as 15 men died. A doctor in the camp, Dr. Reece, kept records. By June 1862, 336 soldiers had been sent to the hospital. Because of so many deaths and the harsh weather, soldiers and historians called it "Camp Misery."
Digging Up the Past
Since 2008, experts have been digging at the site of Camp Butler. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources leads these digs. They hope to learn more about what life was like for soldiers at the camp.
James Madison University and the Stafford County School System are also helping. They are looking for clues about Civil War life in an old street area of the camp. This work helps us understand history better.
