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Saturday, April 09, 2011

JOHNSON'S ISLAND

JOHNSON'S ISLAND



Located north of Port Clinton in Sandusky Bay of Lake Erie, Johnson's Island was a Union prison for Confederate officers during the Civil War. The island's isolated location made it difficult for prisoners to escape. In addition, the island was near several important Ohio cities and lines of road, rail and water transportation. It was convenient to transport prisoners and supplies while maintaining the facility. Johnson's Island opened in 1862 and housed prisoners until September 1865. Estimates vary on how many men served time here, but it is likely at least 10,000 were incarcerated there during the course of the war.

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