Johnson's Island Civil War Prison Archaeological Investigation

Since 1998, the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison Archaeological Investigation has been a part of the Center for Historic and Military Archaeology’s array of sites investigated. Dr. David Bush has been investigating this most significant Union prison since 1988.

From April of 1862 until September of 1865, more than 10,000 Confederates passed through Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison, leaving behind an extensive historical and archaeological record. Many of these officers recorded in journals or diaries the day-to-day happenings, emotions and conditions they were enduring. They also spent many hours writing letters, collecting autographs from prisoners and sketching maps. These documents give vast insight into what prison life was like, as well as the personal conflicts and hardships encountered among families and friends during the Civil War.

Their occupation of this island has also left behind hundreds of archaeological features containing unknown thousands of artifacts. This site, a National Historic Landmark, is the only Union prison designed specifically to be solely a prison and contains an archaeological record not found at any other prison site. Since 2002, the prison compound and Fort Johnson have been under the protection of the Friends and Descendants of Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison. Heidelberg and the Friends have an agreement for long-term research, education and interpretative goals for this site. For this reason, much of the research and educational information on the internet is through the Friends and Descendants of Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison’s website.

Read an article from Archaeology magazine on Johnson's Island or tour the island through videos!