![]() ![]() The combined capacity of these 2 buildings was almost 1,300.įor the most part, these buildings, overlooking the Dan River that ran through the center of town, were similar to the warehouses used at Richmond. Both of them were located within the town's business district. Not far away, 2 additional buildings came into use. There were 3 other warehouses, all within 100 yards of each other, that had a combined estimated capacity of 2,300 prisoners. ![]() Opposite this building was a large frame house with a large room to be used as the commandant's headquarters, as well as workshops for garrison use. One of the buildings, a 3-story structure with an estimated capacity of 700, had an attached bakehouse and cooking range with the capability of preparing rations for 3,000 men. The prison consisted of 6 vacant brick buildings, mostly tobacco and cotton warehouses in the center of town. Turner, a contingent of guards, and the prisoners arrived at Danville. The town was located at the extreme south-central part of Virginia, 143 miles southwest of Richmond and 4 miles north of the North Carolina border.īy November 11, 1863, arrangements were made to transfer 4,000 prisoners to the prison. The town of Danville was symbolic of antebellum southern culture. ![]() Before Danville became a prison, several of the prison's warehouses had been converted into military hospitals. It had good railroad connections, availability of wood, cheaper abundance of provisions, was a safe distance from Union attack, and a short distance to City Point. Lee suggested the use of Danville as another place to hold prisoners. Because of continued supply problems and overcrowding of the city's prisons, Gen. ![]()
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