Gratiot Military Prison

Photo of drawing of Gratiot Military Prison

Gratiot Military Prison was a Union Army prison located in St. Louis, Missouri during the American Civil War. The prison was originally a medical college building before being converted into a military prison in 1861. It played a significant role in the detention of Confederate prisoners of war, Union Army deserters, and civilians suspected of disloyalty.

History[edit | edit source]

The building that housed Gratiot Military Prison was initially constructed in 1860 as the McDowell Medical College, founded by Dr. Joseph Nash McDowell. With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, the Union Army seized the building and repurposed it as a military prison. The prison was named after Charles Gratiot, a prominent engineer in the United States Army.

Operations[edit | edit source]

Gratiot Military Prison was one of several military prisons operated by the Union during the Civil War. It was used to detain a variety of prisoners, including captured Confederate soldiers, Union deserters, and civilians accused of espionage or disloyalty. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, which included overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited medical care.

Notable Prisoners[edit | edit source]

Several notable individuals were held at Gratiot Military Prison during its operation. These included Confederate officers, political prisoners, and spies. The prison's records provide valuable insights into the lives of those detained and the broader context of the Civil War.

Closure[edit | edit source]

After the end of the Civil War in 1865, Gratiot Military Prison was closed. The building was eventually demolished, and the site has since been redeveloped. The history of the prison remains a significant part of St. Louis's Civil War heritage.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The legacy of Gratiot Military Prison is preserved through historical records and the efforts of historians. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of wartime imprisonment and the broader impact of the Civil War on American society.