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Birdseye View of Rock Island Barracks, Illinois (1864)
This 1864 birdseye view presents Rock Island Barracks in Illinois (with the city of Rock Island in the background), a notable military installation during the American Civil War, which housed Confederate prisoners of war.
A fascinating midwestern collaboration, the view was lithographed bvy C. Vogt and drawn by H. Lambach in Davenport, Iowa, and printed bh J. McKittrick & Co. in St. Louis.
The Rock Island Barracks was established in December 1863 to hold Confederate prisoners of war. Housed on a 12 acre site, the facility included 84 wood framed barracks surrounded by a 12 foot fence. A separate hospital complex housed the sick prisoners. A total of 12,192 prisoners were housed at the barracks and 1,964 of those died at the camp and were buried at the Confederate Cemetery. At the peak some 8,694 prisoners were kept at the camp and were guarded by 2,388 guards. The barracks held prisoners until July 1865.
The illustration meticulously portrays the barracks' arrangement and surrounding landscape, offering a detailed snapshot of this important Union Army facility. Key features are labeled, including military posts, hospital buildings, and other essential infrastructure, set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River.
The image captures the barracks from an elevated perspective, providing a comprehensive overview of the site's layout and its natural environment. The barracks are systematically organized into rows of buildings, reflecting the military's emphasis on order and discipline. The landscape is depicted in a serene manner, with the Mississippi River curving around the island, enhancing the strategic importance of this location during the Civil War.
The labeled components include Officers' Quarters, Hospital, Guard House, Prison Barracks, and the Commandant's Quarters, among others. These labels offer insight into the daily operations and hierarchical structure of the military installation.
The Rock Island Barracks played a critical role during the Civil War, serving both as a training facility for Union soldiers and a prison camp for captured Confederate troops. The barracks' strategic location on the Mississippi River made it a vital point for transport and communication. The map dates from a period of intense military engagement and reflects the Union's efforts to maintain and secure its fortifications along crucial waterways.
Rarity
The view is extremely rare.
OCLC locates 3 examples: Library of Congress, University of Minnesota and Penn State.
