Trip to Johnson's Island

I had the fortunate opportunity to be given a tour of the Johnson's Island archeological site and Confederate Cemetery located there.  This was a lucky opportunity as the only area open to the public is the Cemetery.  Johnson's Island was the location of an officers Confederate pow camp.  It opened in April 1862 and closed September 1865.  The prisoners were housed in twelve barracks buildings or blocks.  The inside walls of the prison included a hospital, sinks, wells and later two mess halls which were added during an expansion in 1864.  The Johnson's Island Military Depot saw around 10,000 men pass through its walls, a high population of around 3,200 and was the final resting place for 240.  Conditions at this pow camp were much better than most others however the men still lacked their freedom.

The ride out from Michigan was a pleasant one with great conversation all the way.  As we drove across the causeway on to the island we quickly passed the Cemetery knowing we would be back later.  We parked outside the dig area and started walking back.  As we came towards a clearing I could see different colored poles marking the locations of where some of the features of the camp were.  At the end of the field there was a large white tent with students working in and next to it.  Our tour guide greeted us right away and made us feel welcomed.  It was a busy afternoon there with several field specimens having been uncovered.  I am appreciative she took the time to explain things to us in between students calling for her.

Our first stop was to show us the work being done on the second latrine or sink.  There were several sinks opened and closed during the operation of the prison.  It was documented when each one was in use.  This is great for the archaeology work as it provides a specific time frame for anything found in these locations.  We then moved inside the tent which was over the location of one of the block houses.  Inside students were working away carefully clearing away soil and looking for any artifact.  Here a quick overview was provided on how the excavations take place and what they look for while doing it.  One thing I found interesting and never thought of is how the color of the soil is part of the archeological record to help uncover the story.  One example is the color of the dirt can mark where a tunnel was dug for an attempted escape.  In one area a bottle is emerging from the soil along with some metal items not far from it.   We were able to see several field specimens that were pulled from the site that day including part of a slate pencil, half of a hard rubber tube and a bone button.  We also were shown an inkwell prosser button and a few other items of interest and favorites of hers that were still on location.

The next couple of hours were spent watching them work, getting questions answered and enjoying the great weather.  For a few moments I sat on a bench looking over the site.  While I was sitting there I was imagining and trying to visualize what it was like and how it might have looked 150 years ago.  A wall around me with men in blue uniforms keeping watch while rebel officers walked around in civilian clothing between the building trying to pass the large amounts of idle time.  All the trees would be gone but could I see the water?  I couldn’t decide if I was there would it be good or not to see the water.  It could be a mental escape staring out over the bay but also a reminder of confinement and how far from home the Island is.

After the work day was over our knowledgeable guide took us back to an earthen fort that is still there and where another fort was located on the Island but is gone from quarry work and housing development.  Both forts were constructed after the attempted raid in September 1864 where men came over to Michigan from Canada with grand plans to free the prisoners.  This incident was what sparked the raising of the 30th Michigan, the last regiment raised in the state of Michigan during the war, which is a subject I have done some research on previously.  This visit was also a tie in with that piece of Michigan Civil War history.

After the walk back from the earthen fort we received explanations on what the colored poles are for.  The blue mark the corners of block houses, yellow the prison walls and red is the deadline.  This line was initially 10 feet from the wall and the prisoners were not to cross it or risk being shot.  After going over the dig site we drove over to the Cemetery as a final stop on the island just like it was for each of the men buried there.

The afternoon was topped off with some light discussion on hard rubber and gutta percha items and then more enjoyable conversation at a local dive.  I feel I only scratched the history of Johnson’s Island during that one visit.  That’s ok because I know I will be back to take another scratch at it.

Historical marker sign posted at the entrance to the archeological dig site which is private property.

The second latrine is being covered for the day.

Part of the grounds with the blue poles marking the corners of where buildings once stood.  The sinks were on the left side of the white tent.

Poles marking where the 1862 prison wall and deadline ran.

Inside the large white tent which covers one of the block houses.

Perhaps a bitters bottle emerging from its 150 year resting place.

The Confederate Cemetery looking towards the bay.