The Chicago doctors who inspected the prison in 1863 called Camp Douglas an "extermination camp." It quickly became the largest Confederate burial ground outside of the South. The story of Camp Douglas is one of brutal guards, deliberate starvation of prisoners, neglect of the sick, sadistic torture, murder, corruption at all levels, and a beef scandal reaching into the White House.

Author Biography

George Levy, retired professor of legal studies at Roosevelt University, became interested in Camp Douglas as a student at the University of Chicago, which is located across the street from the site of the camp. Levy, who has maintained a private law practice, served in the Public Defender's office and as an assistant attorney general for the state of Illinois.