Several years ago, we published David Bush's account of a Civil War prison on Johnson's Island in Ohio ("Doing Time," July/August 1999), followed by our online exclusive featuring stories, photographs, and diaries provided by descendants of prisoners ("Tales From A Civil War Prison," August 30, 1999).

ARCHAEOLOGY joined Bush and his crew in 2002 as they headed into the field to excavate barracks that once housed Confederate POWs. We returned to Johnson's Island in 2006 to follow investigations of the prison hospital, where work continues in 2007.

Field Reports
The latest on the excavations, updated regularly while the dig is in session

Interviews with David Bush
Find out more about Johnson's Island and ask your own questions!

Meet the Crew
Introducing the 2007 Heidelberg College Archaeological Field School

From the Students
Student reports and information on school programs

Letters & Diary Notes
Excerpts from writings of prisoners and guards

Mystery Objects
Can you help us identify these artifacts?

Map of Site

Want to dig? Check the AIA's Annual Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin for ongoing excavations worldwide!