Andersonville National Historic Site contains the remains of more than 13,000 Union soldiers held as prisoners of war during the Civil War at this Camp Sumter site. Up to 32,000 soldiers faced horrific conditions at this prison after it was established about 18 months before the war ended. Officials buried many of those soldiers at Andersonville National Cemetery, which they established on July 26, 1865. You can tour the camp's remnants and see some of the harsh conditions that the Union soldiers faced when living at this Andersonville, Georgia, location. Since that time, the families of others who served in the United States military or their dependents can choose to have their remains buried at this flat, well-manicured location. Approximately 150 burials still occur annually. Even today, many soldiers and their families choose the cemetery as their last resting place.
You will want to take advantage of all that this Georgia area offers before and after you visit Andersonville National Cemetery, so bring your RV. If you do not have an RV, then it is easy to rent one on RVshare.com so that you can stay in the beautiful nearby campgrounds, explore the area state parks, and visit the other attractions.
You will want to visit the three main areas of Andersonville National Historic Site. Take the audio tour to learn about the prison located here. Make sure to leave time to visit the National POW Museum, which is the only museum in the country dedicated to telling the stories of prisoners of war throughout America’s history. The Andersonville National Cemetery contains several notable monuments, including some constructed between 1899 and 1916 and others featuring the Women’s Relief Corps' work.
Hiking TrailsThe Chattahoochee Riverwalk is a 15-mile trail paralleling the Chattahoochee River. You can do this hike from Lake Oliver City Marina to the National Infantry Museum in either direction. If you enjoy geocaching, there are 31 geocaches along this trail.
Lake Oliver City Marina 5501 River Road, Columbus, Georgia 31904
15 Miles
Moderate
This loop hike begins at the Providence Canyon State Park’s Visitor Center. The path goes 0.25 miles to the floor of the canyon. Then, it follows the sandy streambeds of the canyon. You can see numerous curved walls and pinnacles on the middle portion of this hike. It ends by passing several historic buildings.
Providence Canyon State Park 930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, Georgia 31815
5 Miles
Moderate
The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail runs on both sides of the Ocmulgee River through downtown Macon. This trail runs through Riverside Cemetery, Rose Hill Cemetery, Amerson River Park, Central City Park, and Ocmulgee Mounds National Monument. The entire route is either cement or gravel, making it easy to follow.
Riverside Cemetery 1301 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia 31216
15 Miles
Strenuous
SightseeingEvidence suggests that people have lived on or near the Ocmulgee Mounds National Monument for over 10,000 years. See the mounds built during the beginning of the Mississippian era. The floor in the Earth Lodge dates to 1015. Stroll through the Wattle and Daub Museum to see some of the artifacts unearthed at this site.
207 Emery Highway, Macon, Georgia 31217
William Butler Johnston, who was the Confederate Treasury's keeper, had this seven-level Italian Renaissance home constructed in the mid-1800s. This home is considered one of the most elaborate antebellum homes in America. Tour the house, and shop in the gift shop.
934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31201
MuseumsView 15 mannequins dressed in various uniforms from the Civil War at the Gerald Lamby's Drummer Boy Civil War Museum. The Confederate South Carolina Zouave drummer boy uniform is one of only two known to exist. Imagine trying to fight off the enemy with the many Civil War weapons on display. You will also want to see the extensive collection of memorabilia from General Thomas T. Eckert, who was president of Western Union and Chief of the United States Military Telegraph Department under President Lincoln.
109 East Church Street, Andersonville, Georgia 31711
Get inspired during a Tubman Museum tour, where you will learn about the African American experience through its art, history, and culture. This location is the largest museum dedicated to African Americans in the United States. Officials named this museum after Harriet Tubman. Some of the most important galleries include the one featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s works and folk art from Americans of African descent.
310 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsIf you want to buy an unusual item for yourself or a friend, then head to Travis Jean Emporium. The shop works with local artists and farmers to offer you one-of-a-kind items, including bath and beauty products, fragrances, artwork, and jewelry. Some of the offerings have a Bohemian flair to them.
522 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia, 31201
Find unique art to decorate your home, RV, or office at Macon Arts Alliance. Over 300 artists regularly exhibit their work at this location. You can find pottery, paintings, fabric arts, and photography.
486 First Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
Stop at Andersonville General Store to get made-to-order breakfasts. Come back later in the day for fresh traditional Southern selections hot off the steam table. This eatery also offers fantastic sandwiches.
101 Church Street, Andersonville, Georgia 31711
James Mallis opened the first Nu-Way Weiners in 1916. Customers have been coming to locations operated by this company ever since. You will want to join them for the delicious egg sandwiches and biscuits to get your day off to a great start. Then, come back after a hike or tour for fantastic hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, or fish.
148 Emery Highway, Macon, Georgia 31217
It is easy to get to Andersonville National Historic Site from Macon and Warner-Robins by getting on Interstate 75 South. Take Exit 135, and follow Georgia 224 to Montezuma. Turn right on Georgia 26, continue until it intersects with Georgia 49, and turn left. Go about 6 miles, and you will see the park on your left.
496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, GA 31711
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
If you love military history, you will want to plan an RV trip to Andersonville, Georgia. Learn about the Union soldiers who did not survive their imprisonments at this location that offered hardly any shelter and very little food. See the cemetery where burials for soldiers and their family members still happen frequently. Visit the National Prisoner of War Museum to learn about America’s prisoners of war during other wars. This region is a great area to explore on hikes, and there are many nearby attractions you will want to see. Bring your RV so that you can have fun in the campgrounds. If you do not have one, then renting one on RVshare.com is quick and convenient.
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