Legacy of an Andersonville survivor : the life of George Washington Steenrod.

Abstract

The American Civil War has left a legacy that compares to no other in the history Amy Louise Waters for the United States. This conflict between the northern and southern states still influences America, even 135 years after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. It has become popular to look at one's own history for ancestors who fought for the Union or , the Confederacy in the war. My own family history has led me to a Great-Great-Great of the United States. This conflict between the northern and southern states still become popular to look at one's own history for ancestors who fought for the Union or Grandfather who not only fought for the Union, but who was also one of the 45,000 influences America, even 135 years after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. It has Union soldiers who spent time in the most infamous Civil War prison, Andersonville. George Washington Steenrod was one of many men who recorded their experiences while fighting in the Civil War. The diary he kept throughout the year 1864, including his time in Andersonville, is not extensive, but is instead a simple timeline of his life and notes about the people who were closest to him. However, George Steenrod's life is not completely defined by his time in Andersonville, his story includes what he accomplished after the war was over. Steenrod's relocation to Kansas and his success in cultivating a farm, building a town, and conducting a thriving business are a way to demonstrate how the horrors of war were not all consuming. It was in Kansas that George and his wife raised a family and became well-known members of the Colwich and Sedgwick County communities. George Washington Steenrod's story is not just about surviving the war and Andersonville, but is also the story of a man who made his life one worth saving.