June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Replica Shebang

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Trail Creek and Pepsi truck
 
The heavily wooded trail allows the visitor to enjoy a shaded tour. Obviously all of the trees were gone at the time of the prison camp, but the creek fed by a spring continues to flow and nature abounds. Since the park is located at an intersection, an occasional truck reminds the visitor of the 21st century.

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Trail Marker: "Then and Now"
  
This was the only broken interpretive marker on June 13, 2014. The park was pristine, with only some repairs needed to the replica buildings. The marker shows a period drawing and modern photo with a key/legend so the approximate locations in the camp can be surmised.

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Trail Marker: "Then and Now"

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Spring and Information Panel
 
LT Amos Johnson of the USS Sachem was appointed to make three basins form the spring water. One for drinking, the next for washing, and the third for bathing. Only 6% (330 of 5450) of the prisoners died, which is an extremely low percentage and number by standards of the war. The small creek which exists at present is a result of water being diverted after the war. "The Old Flag"- newspaper of the Union POW's shows the basins.
 
Something to ponder: Most of the men confined to Camp Ford were veteran troops. Did these veterans have a lower mortality rate than fresh troops?

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Spring and Information Panel

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford ADA Access
 
ADA= Americans with Disabilities Act. The trail is fairly easy to follow, however, a portion at the end is not in compliance with the aforementioned Federal Act. Still well worth the visit for all and easy to navigate. No restrooms on site, but gas stations are adjacent. See scan

June 2014 Enlarge Camp Ford Trail Food and Rations