Questioning the History of Civil War Prison Conditions at Point Lookout

In a letter published on July 23 in Southern Maryland News titled "Trying to hide the past leads to repeated mistakes," Gilbert Masters criticizes efforts to alter historical narratives and presents inaccuracies regarding the Civil War prison at Point Lookout. He falsely alleges that Confederate soldiers endured starvation and harsh treatment, which is incorrect. Additionally, he claims they suffered from extreme temperatures, suggesting they were too cold in winter and too hot in summer—a claim that is unfounded. In reality, during summer months, prisoners benefited from breezes coming from the nearby river and bay, while in winter, they used campfires for warmth, conditions comparable to those experienced by soldiers still engaged in combat.