Coming Up at the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp

Symposium and Open House

Explore Elmira’s historic role in the Civil War: Saturday, July 26

9am – 12pm
Three lectures focusing on Elmira’s unique history during the Civil War

Thomas K. Meier Keynote Speaker:
Robert Crickenberger, President of the Friends of Point Lookout, will present Point Lookout, Elmira and the Second Wave of Prisons

“As the Civil War progressed into its third bloody year, federal campaigns were sending thousands of prisoners north in numbers that overwhelmed existing prisons. Furthermore, the forced cessation of a prisoner exchange cartel compounded the burden of the already overcrowded prison system, further denying the Confederate government of its much-needed manpower. By mid-1863, a desperate Commissary General of Prisoners, Colonel William Hoffman, began scouring the northern states, seeking locations to build new camps in order to better manage this sudden influx of prisoners. Hoffman’s latest prisons, Point Lookout and Elmira began the succession of new holding areas in what is now referred to as the “Second Wave of Prisons.”

Lectures will be held at Elmira College – Stephans Lounge in Meier Hall. They are FREE and open to the public. No registration required.

12pm – 4pm
Open House at the Barracks Site: 645 Winsor Ave, Elmira

Enjoy guided tours, re enactor demonstrations, book signings and light refreshments.

1pm
Dr. Michael Gray, author of The Business of Captivity will present Life On The Inside, a fascinating discussion of how both Confederate and Union men passed the time at Elmira Prison Camp

3:00
Hear about the exciting plans for the future of our site!

All events are FREE and open to the public. In partnership with Elmira College.

Confederate Escapees

Presenter Terri Olszowy of the Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp talks about the 17 escaped Confederate POWs from the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp from July 1864 thru April 1865. This talk was given at the site of the prison camp on July 18, 2019 as part of the “History Under the Trees” program.