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Exploring our Civil War History
If you wanted to learn, first hand, about the history of the Civil War look no further. Though the war was mostly fought in the south Chemung County and in particular Elmira played a pivotal role.
Elmira’s Prison Camps were originally training sites for soldiers at the beginning of the war. The barracks used for training were turned into a prison camp later in the war where it could hold up to 5,000 soldiers. There are estimates it held from 7000- 12,000 prisoners. The Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp is a group of volunteers who want to protect and preserve the history of the Civil War in Elmira, Chemung County and surrounding areas and to educate the public about that history.
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The group has already reconstructed an original camp building which is located on the grounds of the original Barracks #3, that served as both a Union training and later prisoner of war camp.
Tours are given on weekends and by special appointment.
To Learn More or Get a Tour:
www.elmiraprisoncamp.com
After a trip to the Elmira Prison Camp head north about 2 miles and learn about John W. Jones. A museum named after him is teaching people about the important role he played during the war.
John W. Jones escaped from slavery in Virginia and arrived in Elmira in July 1844. People often talk about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad but John W. Jones help over 800 fellow slaves to freedom.
In his role as a caretaker at Woodlawn Cemetery Jones buried nearly 3,000 confederate soldiers with honors despite by those he buried who considered him 3/5 of man. This is part of history in our own backyard.
Museum is open weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day
To Learn More or Get a Tour:
