Point Lookout, Maryland: The Largest Civil War Prison

Point Lookout defines a pivotal, contested chapter in Civil War imprisonment, reshaping our understanding of captivity.

The name Point Lookout conjures images of suffering and despair, a notorious Federal prison camp where thousands of Confederate captives endured unimaginable hardships. As the exchange cartel collapsed and relentless campaigns swelled Northern prisons beyond capacity, Point Lookout emerged in July 1863 as a grim solution. Officially dubbed “Camp Hoffman,” this sprawling 45-...