The Libby Prison Escape was one of the most famous (and successful) prison breaks during the American Civil War. Overnight between February 9 and February 10, 1864, more than 100 imprisoned Union soldiers broke out of their prisoner of war building at Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.
Of the 109 escapees, 59 succeeded in reaching Union lines, 48 were recaptured, and 2 drowned in the nearby James River.
Escapes were regular occurrences at both Federal and Confederate prisons. John Bray's (First New Jersey Cavalry) account of his own escape from Libby Prison can be found at the CivilWarSources site.
Read more about Libby Prison Escape: Background, Location and Layout, Element of Surprise, Conclusion
Famous quotes containing the words prison and/or escape:
“each prison crypt,
of canyoned traffic . . . Confronting the Exchange,
Surviving in a world of stocks,—”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)
“The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.”
—Jean Racine (1639–1699)