Historical Marker

Camp Elder Civil War Paroled P.O.W. Camp

Oakbourne Rd. & Trellis Ln., Westtown Twp. · Westtown Twp. · Chester

Pennsylvania marker

Inscription

After the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, over 2,000 Union prisoners were held at a makeshift camp here, awaiting exchange for Confederate prisoners. Retreating armies often issued battlefield paroles to captured enemy soldiers, who were then held by their own army. The community welcomed these men and tended the injured for several weeks until the Federal government declared the paroles invalid and returned the prisoners to their regiments.

Location

AddressOakbourne Rd. & Trellis Ln., Westtown Twp.
CityWesttown Twp.
CountyChester

Sources


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