Executions
Information about executions in Richmond, VA during the Civil War

Written Accounts

1864-09-23, Richmond Dispatch; slave to be hanged today “on the hill back of the new city alms-house.”
1864-11-01, Richmond Sentinel; deserter taken from Castle Thunder and shot in the presence of Fields' Division. He was from the 4th Alabama and had been recaptured in Yankee uniform
1865-03-18, Richmond Sentinel; two negroes who were sentenced to be hanged for burglary are released on the condition that they join T. P. Turner's "black brigade"
1865-04-03, Richmond Sentinel; two Castle Thunder prisoners sentenced to be shot next Friday
1865-12, The Old Guard; "Camp Lee;" - describes the camp's use as a freedman's village and its occupation by federal forces. Excellent description of the physical facility during the war. By George Fitzhugh.
1866-02-28, Richmond Examiner; new cells are being prepared at Libby for Richard “Dick” Turner and a soldier on trial for murder
1866-03-15, Richmond Examiner; “Castle Thunder is done for finally and for good as a military prison post” – the building has been evacuated and is a tobacco factory once more
1866-04-20, Richmond Examiner; execution of a Union soldier to be held at Libby Prison
1866-07-17, Richmond Dispatch; fascinating account of the execution of a former USCT soldier for murder. Execution took place inside Libby Prison
1866-07-20, New York Times; fascinating account of the execution of a former USCT soldier for murder. Execution took place inside Libby Prison. Rope snapped the first time, requiring a second attempt. Notes that the man had been a soldier

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