This cemetery began as a burial place for the 12,920 Union soldiers who died in the nearby prison camp, and its orderly rows and peaceful setting contrast with the misery and disease within that stockade. Established on July 26, 1865, Andersonville National Cemetery became open to veterans of all later wars and remains an active cemetery. Although the headstones appear similar, the grounds contain many unique features, including the Raiders’ graves, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, and different symbols above individuals’ names. Walter E. Smith of the 16th Connecticut Infantry recalled that disease in the camp, pollution of the water supply, inadequate medical care, lack of shelter, short and defective rations, and overcrowding all contributed to a terrifying mortality rate that in August reached 100 a day.