Parole camp facts for kids
During the American Civil War, a parole camp was a special place where soldiers who had been captured by the enemy, but then released, could stay. These soldiers were "on parole," meaning they promised not to fight again until they were officially exchanged for enemy prisoners. Their own army would keep them in these camps. They were not allowed to fight, but they could return to combat if a prisoner exchange happened. Life in these camps was often difficult. Soldiers on parole sometimes refused to do guard duty or other tasks, saying it would break their promise not to fight. Many even ran away to go home.
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History of Parole Camps
During the Civil War, an honor system was created for prisoners. Each side would look after its own soldiers who had been captured and then released on parole. These soldiers promised not to fight again unless they were officially exchanged.
Confederate Parole Practices
The Confederate army did not set up parole camps for their soldiers. Instead, they let their paroled men go home. They expected these soldiers to return to duty once they were officially exchanged for Union prisoners.
Union Army Parole Camps
The Union Army, however, did create parole camps. These camps were for their soldiers who had been captured by the Confederacy. Once released, these soldiers had to honor their parole terms.
Annapolis Parole Camp
In 1862, a parole camp was opened in Annapolis, Maryland. It was set up on the grounds of St. John's College. This camp quickly became too crowded. Because of this, two more camps were built nearby. One of these new camps was located in a place that is now called Parole, Maryland. This is how the town got its name!
Many soldiers came to Annapolis because of these camps. This large number of soldiers changed the town. The soldiers were free to visit the local area. Many soldiers wrote letters home saying the camps were dirty. Sometimes, there were problems with soldiers causing trouble.
Camp Elder in West Chester
There was also a parole camp in West Chester, Pennsylvania, but it did not last long. It was known as Camp Elder. One soldier, Warren H. Freeman, wrote to his father about this camp. He said that the paroled soldiers were guarded by new members of the Pennsylvania militia. These guards were quite relaxed in their duties. This was probably because they were guarding soldiers from their own army.
