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Providence Spring.

Providence Spring

Field review by the editors.

Andersonville, Georgia

In the summer of 1864, tens of thousands of Union POWs were dying of thirst at the military prison in Andersonville, Georgia. Suddenly, a spring erupted from the ground within the stockade. The POWs credited its appearance to divine intervention, and "Providence Spring" became part of the established lore of the Civil War.

The spring was enclosed within a large stone shelter by Union veteran groups in 1901. Fancy marble slabs flanking the spring have grown stained and encrusted by impurities in the water over the years. "The prisoner's cry of thirst rang up to heaven," reads one of several inscriptions. "God heard, and with his thunder cleft the earth, and poured His sweetest waters gushing here."

Providence Spring.

Providence Spring is visible on a slope below some of the reconstructed walls of the prison at the Andersonville National Historical Site.

How many prisoners were actually saved by Providence Spring is open to question, since a modern sign outside the shelter warns: "Water Unfit for Human Consumption: PLEASE DO NOT DRINK."

Also see: Water: Wonder Temples and Miracle Springs

Providence Spring

Andersonville National Historical Site

Address:
Prison Site Rd, Andersonville, GA
Directions:
Andersonville National Historical Site. From Americus, drive north on Crawford St./Hwy 49 for 11.5 miles, then turn right onto POW Rd. Drive to the National POW Museum, then drive behind it onto a loop road that roughly follows the stockade outline of the old prison. You'll see a sign for the Spring about halfway down the west side.
Hours:
Grounds gates open daily 8-5. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Nearby Offbeat Places

National Prisoner of War MuseumNational Prisoner of War Museum, Andersonville, GA - < 1 mi.
Death Bonnet of Lincoln Assassination ConspiratorDeath Bonnet of Lincoln Assassination Conspirator, Andersonville, GA - < 1 mi.
Only U.S. Monument to a War CriminalOnly U.S. Monument to a War Criminal, Andersonville, GA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Big Red Fire Ant, Ashburn, GA - 44 mi.

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