Andersonville is a town in Sumter County, GA, with a significant historical background. During the Civil War, Andersonville Prison, also known as Camp Sumter, was the site of the largest confederate prison camp. In the mid-1970s, during an economic downturn, Andersonville’s mayor, Mr. Lewis Easterlin, led students to restore the city’s historical building in order to promote and enhance the local tourism industry. As a result of this historical tourism movement, the city of Anderson has chosen to support a number of historical festivals and reenactments.
A Living History Festival is hosted at the Andersonville National Historic Site annually. This site is on the grounds of the prison camp where 45,000 soldiers were held and nearly 13,000 died. The annual event celebrates the lives of those inside and outside the stockade during the mid-1800s, and honors the lives of those lost. The festival activities span two days on a weekend in mid-March and include historic demonstrations, cannon firing, battle reenactments and an exploration of the historic grounds. Tour guides are also available to give guided tours of the historic site. On Saturday night a candlelight tour and vigil in the stockade cemetery is hosted.
Andersonville National Historic Site
496 Cemetery Road
Andersonville, GA 31711
1-229-924-0343
The Andersonville Folk Fest is a now annual event that was first hosted in 2009. The event is located on the southern edge of Civil War Village, in downtown Andersonville. The Fest is a one day event in May, and is a celebration of traditional southern art forms and crafts. Exhibited arts include pottery, glass blowing, soap making, basket weaving, loom weaving and candle dipping. Artists not only display and sell their wares, but also put on public demonstrations. Music groups and performers provide entertainment on stages throughout the area and food vendors provide a traditional selection of southern foods and festival treats.
Andersonville Guild
PO Box 6
Andersonville, GA 31711-0006
1-229-924-2558
The Andersonville Historic Festival has been happening annually for more than 30 years on the first full weekend in October. The historic fair features both confederate and union military encampments that engage in mock battles, craftsmen who both pedal and demonstrate old time art forms, antique and craft dealers, children and family activities, live on-stage entertainment and an antique car show. All funds raised go to support the ongoing efforts of the Andersonville historical guild.
Andersonville Guild
PO Box 6
Andersonville, GA 31711-0006
1-229-924-2558
The Ride Home is a two day celebration held in Andersonville and Americus to celebrate the sacrifice of American Prisoners of War. The two day event is held on a Friday and Saturday in conjunction with National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The event is held at the National Prisoners of War Museum in Andersonville, and sponsored by Rolling Thunder Incorporated, a non for profit motorcycle organization. It includes a number of dedication ceremonies and memorial events that laud former POWs and their families.
The Ride Home Rolling Thunder Inc.
3818 Litchfield Loop
Lake Wales, FL 33859
1-407-448-1181
