Welcome to Camp Ford, C.S.A.
Please be aware that if you are preparing to have an organized event at the Camp Ford Historic Park, you must get permission from Smith County. Call Casey Murphy (903) 590-4607 or email cmurphy@smith-county.com
Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. Established in August of 1863, the camp was not closed until May 19, 1865. At its peak in July 1864, over 5,300 prisoners were detained there.
The site of the Camp stockade is now a public park, owned by Smith County, Texas, and managed by the Smith County Historical Society.
The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with more interpretive signage, and a picnic area.
Come Visit Us!
- Location: 6500 US Highway 271, 0.8 miles outside Loop 323 in Tyler, Texas
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- Admission: Free to the public
- Parking: Available on-site
- Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
- Field Trips: Guided tours are available for school groups (advance scheduling required)
Medal of Honor Recipients held at Camp Ford
Asten, Charles
Butts, George
Carmen, Isaac H.
White, Patrick H.
Spiegel Brothers at Camp Ford
Joseph Spiegel, the founder of the merchandising giant Spiegels, served as the sutler for the 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was captured on May 3, 1864, when the transport ship City Belle was ambushed on the Red River. Along with most of the 120th, Joseph was held at a camp until their final exchange on May 22, 1865.
Joseph’s brother, Marcus Spiegel, was the colonel of the 120th Ohio and was mortally wounded during the engagement. The Spiegel family was composed of German Jews who immigrated to America in the 1840s. Marcus was one of the few Jews in the Union Army to achieve the rank of colonel.
Data and Information on Camp Ford
We have gathered an extensive collection of Camp Ford materials, and our bibliography contains well over 300 entries. We believe that there are still letters, diaries and materials in small or private collections, and we are interested in obtaining copies.
If you know of letters, diaries, etc, and are willing to share, please contact us.
Links to Chronicles available in our store:
Camp Ford Lithograph
The lithograph, which was published between 1870 and 1875, provides a south view of the camp, with several smaller insert drawings.
The lithograph has been digitally restored and printed on 18″ X 24″ high quality paper. Copies may be ordered from the Smith County Historical Society.