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Civil War History Stories & local character

Camp Ford in Tyler was a major Civil War prisoner of war camp

Smith County History & Culture

Camp Ford operated in Tyler during the Civil War. It held Union prisoners for the Confederacy. At its peak, 4,725 men were held there. About 6,000 passed through over two years, making it the largest Confederate POW camp west of the Mississippi River.

A historic site marks the place in Tyler today. The Texas Historical Commission treats Camp Ford as a major Civil War site. If that history interests you, this is one of the stronger stops in this part of Texas.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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The 1930 East Texas oil discovery transformed Smith County

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