Belle Isle Civil War Prison
Richmond, Virginia

History

Belle Isle is located west of Richmond, Virginia in the James River. During the Civil War, this small and beautiful island was used as a Civil War Prison. Holding only a few small shacks, the island afforded no protection from the elements to the Union soldiers who were captured and taken there. Prisoners were given tents to sleep in but the tents numbered 3000, while the soldiers held there, numbered almost 10,000 by 1863. A hospital for prisoners and an iron factory were located on the island, but no barracks were ever built for the prisoners, hence the continuous exposure to weather played a large role in the death toll on Belle Isle. Excerpts from the diary of prisoner: Zelotes A. Musgrave attests to these facts:

• November 1st 1863
  Took the cars at Petersburg for Richmond Va. We arrived in Richmond Va at 12 noon. Four hundred and thirty of us prisoners marched on to Belle Island (near Richmond Va.) which is in the
  James River.
• November 2nd
  We are laying on Belle Island with no tents or blankets.
  
• November 3rd
  On Belle Island near Richmond Va. One forth rations issued to us today.
• November 4th
  Same place, I am sick today.
• November 5th
  Bell Island. Plenty of body lice here.
• November 6th
  Belle Island. Laying out on the ground.
• November 7th
  Belle Island. Still laying out on the ground.
  See the entire diary online
  

Prisoners were allowed to swim in the James river surrounding Belle Isle. The rapid water was extremely perilous but some men braved the rapids and rifle fire, attempting to escape. Some drowned or were shot, in their escape efforts, but a few did find their freedom.

There is controversy over the number of deaths on Belle Isle. The South claims the death rate was low, while the North claims it was very high. According to John Ransom, a soldier who was incarcerated there, "Stormy and disagreeable weather. From fifteen to twenty and twenty-five die every day and are buried just outside the prison with no coffins- nothing but canvas wrapped around them." On February 11, 1864, he further wrote: "a good deal of fighting going on among the men;" they were "just like so many hungry wolves penned together." Prisoners were robbing each other of rations and blankets. The Prison commander admitted he could do nothing to stop the thievery.

Source of above text: www.censusdiggins.com/prison_bellisle.html

Belle Isle Panoramas

Click on Images to Enlarge

1. Hollywood Cemetery
August 2, 2001 (135K jpeg)

2. Tredegar Iron Works
August 2, 2001 (168K jpeg)

3. Modern view of Richmond From Iron Works
August 2, 2001 (32K jpeg)

4. East End of Belle Isle
August 3, 2001 (39K jpeg)

5. View of James River and Richmond From Belle Isle
August 3, 2001 (40K jpeg)

6. View of Belle Isle POW Camp Facing East
August 3, 2001 (91K jpeg)

Source of above photos: www.civilwaralbum.com/misc/richmond_panoramas.htm

War Time Photos

War Time Photo

Belle Isle from the north bank. The buildings were used by guards and for administration of the prison. The earth wall of the prison is visible at the foot of the hill near the center of the photo.

War Time Photo

Belle Isle from the hill overlooking the camp, April 8, 1865. Photo by Alexander Gardner

Source of above photos and text: www.civilwaralbum.com/misc/richmond10.htm

My Visits to Belle Isle

• November 2001, Thanksgiving: click here.
• January 2003, Snowy Day: click here.