Star Fort
Within this stronghold stood the offices of the post commander and the prison commandant. Fort and headquarters were symbols of power, but the fully enclosed earthworks also reflect the authorities' besieged state of mind. Hampered by supply shortages and a constant influx of new prisoners, Confederates here were responsible for operating a prison camp under conditions they could hardly control.
Four of the Star Fort's guns were trained outward to repel Union cavalry raids. The other five cannon were aimed toward the north slope of the prison camp.
Before erosion rounded the walls, these earthworks were angled to give defenders overlapping fields of fire.
National Park Service
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Ken Moser.