Smith Factory Prison
Information about Smith Factory Prison in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Smith Factory Prison was probably the same as General Hospital #17. It was also called Fourth Georgia Hospital. It was opened May 19, 1862.

Formerly tobacco factory of Smith and McCurdey, it was destroyed in evacuation fire.

A Report of June 7, 1862 lists 86 patients, but the capacity was over 125.

Smith Factory Prison was located on the west-side of 21st Street, between Main and Cary Streets, about mid-block, just north of General Hospital #16.

Written Accounts

1861-10-15, Richmond Dispatch; J. M. Selkirk at Smith's Factory, 21st St., applies for washerwomen for the Ga. Hospitals
1861-10-17, Richmond Dispatch; Washerwomen needed at the Georgia hospitals - apply to Smith's Factory, 21st street
1862-07-01, Richmond Dispatch; "Libby buildings" are insufficient to hold the influx of Union prisoners - new prison being fitted up on 18th street (probably Smith's)
1862-07-02, Richmond Dispatch; nearly 1000 POWs arrived on 7/1. Some officers named. McCall at Spotswood – paroled to stay in city. He will be moved to “the quarters now being prepared on 18th street”
1862-07-05, Richmond Dispatch; Federal officers moved from Libby to Smith & McCurdy's warehouse
1862-07-08, Richmond Dispatch; excellent details on Richmond prisons: Libby, Barrett's, Greanor & Palmer's factories, Officer's prison on 18th street.
1862-08-15, Richmond Dispatch; “McCurdy’s Building” is opposite “Hardgrove’s factory
1863-11-10 to 1864-01-18, Official Records, Ser. II, Vol. VI, pp. 852-853; statement of clothing issued to prisoners in Richmond.
1863-11-18, Official Records, Ser. II, Vol. VI, pp. 544-548; report of number of prisoners in Richmond as well as provisions issued to prisoners
1864-01-02, Richmond Sentinel; 500 prisoners from "McCurdy's tobacco factory" have been removed to Belle Isle

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