Ship Island, Mississippi: Rosters and History of the Civil War Prison [Hardcover]

Theresa Arnold-Scriber (Author), Terry G. Scriber (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786432365 | ISBN-13: 978-0786432363 | Publication Date: October 17, 2007

Ship Island was used as a French base of operations for Gulf Coast maneuvers and later, during the War of 1812, by the British as a launching point for the disastrous Battle of New Orleans. But most memorably, Ship Island served as a Federal prison under the command of Union Major-General Benjamin F. Butler during the Civil War. This volume traces this fascinating and somewhat sinister history of Ship Island, which lies about 12 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After discussing the impact that early Southern abandonment of the island ultimately had on the course of the war, it describes the unhealthy atmosphere and inhumane treatment of prisoners, which earned Butler the nickname of "The Beast." The main focus of the book, however, is a series of rosters of the men imprisoned. Organized first by the state in which the soldier enlisted and then by the company in which he served, entries are listed alphabetically by last name and include information such as beginning rank; date and place of enlistment; date and place of capture; physical characteristics; and, where possible, the fate and postwar occupation of the prisoner. A list of Union soldiers who died while serving on garrison duty is also provided, as well as information about the citizens of the Confederacy who were imprisoned on Ship Island.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Theresa Arnold-Scriber and security consultant Terry G. Scriber reside in Knoxville, Tennessee. They are the authors of The Fourth Louisiana Battalion in the Civil War (2008).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 479 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (October 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786432365
• ISBN-13: 978-0786432363
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,008,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Ship Island, Mississippi, December 29, 2011

By 

Chris Kesterson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ship Island, Mississippi: Rosters and History of the Civil War Prison (Hardcover)

After reading one of Scribers other books a couple weeks ago, I had to check out another one he had written. Let me tell you I was impressed again at his work. This book is packed full of information and the rosters included gave me an insight to the people in a way that made me fill I was imprisoned or worked at this camp myself. Was again delighted to read about yet another side of the Civil War I knew little about. Overall great read, pictures, and information.