Camp Cleveland Historical Marker

Introduction

This marker indicates the location of Ohio's largest Civil War army training camp, Camp Cleveland, which was established in July 1862 and was thirty-five acres in size. It was bounded by what is now 7th, 5th, and Marquardt Streets and was part of a property belonging to the Wade family. It was a very good location back then, as it was flat (which was good for training) and had access to plenty of water. It also, as it does now, affords a great view of the city. In all, more than 15,000 soldiers were trained here, amounting to about 5% of Ohio's total number of enlisted troops (over 300,000). Since the camp had plenty of housing, it was also a place where Union troops could stay as they traveled elsewhere. Confederate prisoners were held here, too. A Union hospital was constructed here as well, helping over 3,000 troops recover from battle wounds, disease, and illness. Nothing of the camp remains today; the buildings were dismantled and the wood sold at auction.

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information

• More information about Civil War camps in Cleveland
• More information about Camp Cleveland from Ohio Civil War Central