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Henry Wirz
1865Nov, 10

Henry Wirz

Henry Wirz, Swiss-American captain (b. 1823)
Henry Wirz (born Hartmann Heinrich Wirz, November 25, 1823 – November 10, 1865) was a Swiss-American officer of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was the commandant of the stockade of Camp Sumter, a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp near Andersonville, Georgia, where nearly 13,000 Union detainees died as result of inhumane conditions. After the war, Wirz was tried and executed for conspiracy and murder relating to his command of the camp.

Since his execution, Wirz has become a controversial figure due to debate about his guilt and reputation, including criticism over his personal responsibility for Camp Sumter's conditions and the quality of his post-war trial.

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Events on 1865

  • 31Jan

    Robert E. Lee

    American Civil War: Confederate General Robert E. Lee becomes general-in-chief.
  • 13Mar

    African-American

    American Civil War: The Confederate States of America agree to the use of African-American troops.
  • 29Mar

    Appomattox Campaign

    American Civil War: Federal forces under Major General Philip Sheridan move to flank Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee as the Appomattox Campaign begins.
  • 4Apr

    Richmond, Virginia

    American Civil War: A day after Union forces capture Richmond, Virginia, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln visits the Confederate capital.
  • 6Apr

    Appomattox Campaign

    American Civil War: The Battle of Sailor's Creek: Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia fights and loses its last major battle while in retreat from Richmond, Virginia during the Appomattox Campaign.