Camp Sorghum facts for kids
.jpg)
Camp Sorghum was a temporary prison camp during the American Civil War. It was located in Columbia, South Carolina. This camp held officers from the Union Army who were captured by the Confederate States Army.
Contents
What Was Camp Sorghum?
Camp Sorghum was set up quickly in late 1864. It was a simple, open field. About 1,400 Union officers were held there. The camp was about 5-acre (20,000 m2) in size. It had no walls, fences, or buildings.
How Was the Camp Organized?
Even though it was an open field, there was a boundary line. This line was called a "deadline." It was made by laying wood planks on the ground. These planks were placed about 10 feet (3.0 m) inside the camp's edges. This showed prisoners where the camp ended.
Why Was It Called "Camp Sorghum"?
The prisoners' main food was cornmeal and sorghum syrup. Sorghum is a type of plant that can be used to make syrup. Because these foods were so common, the camp became known as "Camp Sorghum."
Life Inside Camp Sorghum
Conditions at Camp Sorghum were very tough. There was not enough food, clothing, or medicine. Many prisoners and even some guards became sick. Sadly, some people lost their lives due to illness.
Escapes from the Camp
The camp did not have strong security features. There were no tall fences or guard towers. Because of this, it was common for prisoners to try to escape. Many were successful in getting away from Camp Sorghum.
