Father Peter Whelan-NPS-Macon Co
Posted by: 
Sprinterman
N 32° 11.800 W 084° 07.735
16S E 770658 N 3565850
Located near the large monuments on the Andersonville Prison Site.
Waymark Code: WMAFX5
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2011
Views: 5
Father Peter Whelan
Father Peter Whelan , an Irish-born Catholic Priest from Savannah, arrived at Andersonville on June 16, 1864, to minister to the sick and dying. While other priests visited for brief periods, Whelan remained for nearly four months during the hottest season and the time of highest mortality.
At the end of his stay, Whelan borrowed money to purchase ten thousand pounds of wheat flour. Baked into bread and distributed at the prison hospital, this food became known as "Whelan's bread". It lasted several months and probably saved many lives.
"By coming here he exposed himself to great danger of infection... His services were sought by all, for, in his kind and sympathizing looks, his meek but earnest appearance, the despairing prisoners read all that humanity had not forsaken mankind."
Private Henry M. Davidson
1st Ohio Light Artillery
The prisoners never forgot Father Whelan. When the survivors returned home and wrote their memoirs, they often mentioned Whelan's name and works.
Type of Marker: Other
Marker #: none
Date: Unknown
Sponsor: National Park Service
|
Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the marker, yourself at the marker, your gps at the marker, or anything specific to the text on the marker. And don't forget to enjoy your visit.