What is the cost to enter the park and/or the National Prisoner of War Museum?
There are no fees at Andersonville National Historic Site. NOTE - Because Andersonville is a fee-free park, we do not sell National Park passes (Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access, etc.).
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What are the hours of operation?
The park grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The National Prisoner of War Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The National Cemetery is open every day of the year from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. On New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day access to the National Cemetery is provided through the Cemetery Entrance Gate; on these three Federal holidays the park and museum are closed.
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Can I come into the park when it's closed?
No. For your safety visitation is only allowed during the posted operating hours.
Can I use a metal detector to hunt for relics?
No. Per 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7) it is prohibited and possession of a metal detector on park grounds is a felony.
Are firearms allowed at Andersonville National Historic Site?
On February 22, 2010, new laws concerning firearms in National Parks were put in place. For details on what is permitted click here.
Can I bring my pet?
Leashed pets are welcome in most of the park, but are not allowed inside the Visitor Center (except for service animals). Pets are prohibited in the landscaped and grassy areas within the National Cemetery.
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When was the National Prisoner of War Museum opened?
Construction of the museum building began in 1996 and it was dedicated on April 9, 1998.
What will I find the in National Prisoner of War Museum?
Through exhibits containing artifacts, oral history interviews, and multimedia displays, the museum tells the story of Americans held as prisoners of war from the Revolutionary war to the present.
Is the park handicap accessible?
The National Prisoner of War Museum is fully handicap accessible. However, due to the uneven terrain the prison site and National Cemetery are more difficult to maneuver.
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Is there a public campground nearby?
Yes. The town of Andersonville has an RV campground and others are located in the area. Contact the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229 924-2558 for more information.
Is there lodging and dining near the park?
Americus, GA is located ten miles south of the park. You will find several restaurants and lodging facilities there. Montezuma, GA is located ten miles north of the park, and has several lodging facilities and restaurants as well.
Where is the town of Andersonville located?
The town is located directly across Highway 49 from the park exit. Just drive across the road!
Can I look up someone who died there or was a prisoner of war at Andersonville?
Yes. In the lobby of the National Prisoner of War museum is a public accessible database where you can look up former Union prisoners. You may also visit the following web site administered through the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/soldiers-and-sailors-database.htm
What are those raised mounds of earth that surround the stockade?
These are earthworks. They are raised mounds of dirt built in various formations to protect soldiers from enemy fire. All earthworks have openings for you to walk inside of them. Please refrain from climbing the earthworks in order to help us preserve them.
I am interested in planning a special event or doing a commercial film shoot, what are the requirements?
A Special Use Permit may be necessary. Please read our Permits section for detailed information.
Does Andersonville National Historic Site have battle re-enactments?
No. National Park Service policy prohibits battle re-enactments and opposed fire demonstrations as they disrupt the commemorative atmosphere that National Park sites preserve.
Who is eligible to be buried in the National Cemetery?
For information regarding eligibility criteria, please visit the VA's Burial & Memorial website: .
How can I find a grave in the cemetery?
If you are searching for the burial location of a veteran, please visit the VA's Nationwide Gravesite Locator: gravelocator.cem.va.gov.
I think the grave of a Civil War prisoner is misspelled; how can it be changed?
Misspellings or other errors of fact on the graves of prisoners who died while held at the Camp Sumter military prison are not an uncommon occurrence. Existing inscriptions on historic headstones were based on information available at the time, and it is National Park Service policy not to change or correct the historic headstones; instead, we maintain a database and resource files to document possible discrepancies.
How often are flags placed on graves?
Park staff and volunteers place flags at each grave in the National Cemetery only once each year, over the Memorial Day Holiday.
Can the National Cemetery be enlarged?
First interment burials in the national cemetery will continue until available space has been filled to the confines of its historic enclosure. The cemetery will not expand beyond the historic boundary established in 1878 by the U.S. Army.
