Johnson's Island Civil War Prison Archaeology Field School:

June 7th to July 9th, 2010

Application Deadline (completed), June 1, 2010

History:

From April of 1862 until September of 1865, over 10,000 Confederates passed through Johnson’s Island Civil War Military Prison leaving behind an extensive historical and archaeological record.  The prisoners-of-war faced daily challenges of how to cope with their situation, whether to resist, survive, or assimilate. Their choices resulted in a variety of activities taking place. Those contemplating escape spent time preparing...whether disguising as a guard, walking across the frozen lake into Canada, or tunneling from a latrine.  Many of these officers recorded in journals or diaries the day to day happenings, emotions, and conditions they were enduring. They also spent many hours writing letters, collecting autographs from prisoners, and sketching maps.  Some prisoners used their talents and limited resources to pass the time by carving rings, broaches, and other jewelry out of hard rubber, bone, and shell.  These documents and artifacts give vast insight into what prison life was like, as well as the personal conflicts and hardships encountered among families and friends during the Civil War.

The 16.5 acre Johnson’s Island Prison Compound contained 13 Blocks (12 as prisoner housing units and one as a hospital), latrines, Sutler stand, 3 wells, pest house, 2 large mess halls (added in August, 1864) and more. The Blocks were two stories high and approximately 130 by 24 feet. There were more than 40 buildings outside the stockade (barns, stables, a lime kiln, forts, barracks for officers, a powder magazine, etc.) used by the 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry to guard the prison. The two major fortifications (Forts Johnson and Hill) protecting Johnson's Island were constructed over the 1864/65 winter, and were operational by March of 1865.

The prisoners on Johnson’s Island endured harsh winters, food and fuel shortages, disease, along with the mental anguish of uncertainty about their families and their own futures. Current research suggests that close to 250 prisoners died on Johnson’s Island during the war.

After the Civil War, most of the buildings on Johnson’s Island were auctioned off.  The land was used for farming, and quarrying started in the late 1800’s.  A resort business began around then also, but eventually failed.  Residential buildings began in the 1950’s allowing private residents to enjoy waterfront properties.  In 1990, Johnson’s Island was designated as a National Historic Landmark recognizing its significance in the Civil War as one of the premier Union prisons. The Confederate Cemetery, located on Johnson’s Island is currently the only publicly available part of the prison. A portion of the prison compound and all of Fort Johnson have been set aside for long term preservation.

Field School: 

Since the spring of 1989, Dr. Bush has been investigating the Johnson's Island Civil War Prison. This site, located on a small island in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie (just north of Cedar Point) held over 10,000 Confederate officers captured at hundreds of battles during the Civil War. One of the unique aspects of this site is it only held officers. Past research has allowed us to specifically locate many of the special use areas of the prison. We have completed our investigations at present at Block 4, a general housing block and Block 6, the prison hospital. In the mid-1990s, preliminary investigations were conducted at Block 8, another general housing block. This year we intend to continue those investigations including exploring the site of the block itself. There are several latrines behind Block 8. We will be conducting studies to determine how many latrines are behind Block 8 and will excavate a portion of one of these latrines throughout the field school.

We are offering a five week field school (six semester hours) for undergraduate college students, graduating high school seniors, incoming first year college students,  and non-traditional adult students for academic credit, and for degree holding students who wish to gain field experience or expand their knowledge.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain archaeological experience as well as learn about the American Civil War and the prison system. In addition to the field experience, there will be laboratory sessions in the archaeological laboratory on the Heidelberg University campus.

Participants in the field school will gain experience in basic excavation techniques, on-site photography, the recording of archaeological data, and the identification and conservation of historic cultural materials.  Students will work at the site Monday through Friday (8:30-3:30) for five weeks.  Housing is available through the university and transportation is provided to the site.  No previous experience is required.  Enrollment must be for the full five weeks.  Enrollment is limited to 12 and admission to the field school and course registration is based on the order in which applications are received and completed.  

For additional information, please view:

The Interactive Dig section of Archaeology Magazine

Archaeology is a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America and has featured the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison site for several years.  This page includes a link to video tours of the site and other interesting documentation and articles. 
http://www.archaeology.org/johnsonsisland

To view the 2009 field school staff & students:

http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/johnsonsisland/?page_id=2

To read the 2009 student weekly field reports:
http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/johnsonsisland/?m=20090

Tuition/Fees: Coursework

  For Academic Credit:$2370.00 (6 semester hrs)

  For Experience only (audit): $1185.00 (no semester hrs earned)

  Lab fees: $85.00 per course; $170.00 total

Financial Aid: No financial aid is available through Heidelberg University. You may want to contact your own college Financial Aid office for guidance or other groups that offer academic assistance.

Housing/Food Service/Transportation:  Housing is approximately $85/week (subject to change).  Students will reside in a university owned house and will be living with the other students enrolled in ANT 250/251.  Food Service is not included in the housing cost and is not available on campus during the summer.  Transportation is provided to the Johnson's Island Civil War Prison site from Tiffin, Ohio, an approximate 45 minute drive.

For Application Information, please contact:

Dr. David R. Bush, Director

Center for Historic & Military Archaeology

Heidelberg University

310 E. Market Street

Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Email:dbush@heidelberg.edu
www.johnsonsisland.com