Magnolia Springs
Magnolia Springs State Park is known for its crystal clear
springs flowing 9 million gallons of water per day and the
boardwalk which spans the cool water. During warmer months,
visitors may watch for alligators, turtles and other wildlife near
the springs. A free, freshwater aquarium features native species,
and a 28-acre lake is available for fishing and boating.
During the Civil War, the site was called Camp Lawton and served
as “the world’s largest prison.” Today, little remains of the
prison stockade; however, the earthen breastworks which guarded it
may still be seen.
Magnolia Springs Confederate Prison Site
In the latter months of the Civil War, a gigantic stockade
enclosing 42 acres was erected on this spot to confine thousands of
prisoners of war held by the Confederate government at
Andersonville prison. This site was chosen because of the abundance
of clear water supplied by magnolia springs and because of its
proximity to the railroad at Lawtonville. The stockade was
completed in October 1864, and was evacuated one month later in
advance of Sherman’s march to the sea. Although the prison was
built to confine 40 thousand, only 10,299 prisoners were
transferred here.
Admin note on cache maintenance and approval: The
Magnolia Springs Park Superintendent accompanied the cache owner
when the cache was placed and approved the location. He will watch
over it and let the cache owner know if it was missing or needed to
be moved. This was done to comply with the Ga. State Parks &
Historic Sites request that physical caches be placed only with
permission. Thanks!