8-6-12: A Low, Dirty Place

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Parole-806.mp3

Before the Annapolis Town Centre, there was the Annapolis Parole Camps. True to its title, the historical site couldn't be more different than its contemporary counterpart. The Parole Camps held Union prisoners during the Civil War, released on parole by the Confederacy. They held up to 10,000 prisoners at all times from 1862-1865. Annapolis, once a quaint market-town, became a haven for thieves, murderers, and prostitutes.

Ann Arrundell County Historical Society Treasurer R. Rebecca Morris details the history of the camp in a new book titled A Low, Dirty Place -- The Parole Camps of Annapolis MD: 1862-1865. She joins Sheilah in the studio this morning.

The Ann Arrundell County Historical Society is hosting a book signing and Civil War re-enactment at the site of the camp on Saturday, August 11th from 2:00-4:00pm. The event will take place at the street center green at the Annapolis Town Centre, Town Centre Boulevard and Harker Place by Target. For contact information, visit the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society website.