Cast iron padlock with two (2) keys. Early 20th-century paper label affixed to reverse reads "308. Libby Prison / Relic Main Gate Lock / And Keys." With later red pen Chicago Historical Society accession number "CHS.1933.308." Deaccessioned from the CHS. 10 5/8 x 6 1/4 x 1 11/16 in.

A rare large main gate lock from the infamous Libby Prison. Originally a tobacco warehouse, the building was converted into the notorious Confederate prison opened in 1862 to house prisoners captured during the Peninsular Campaign. It earned a reputation for deplorable conditions, including overcrowding and high mortality. 

After the war, it was purchased and moved to Chicago as a war museum. The tourist venture was profitable until the end of the century, when, in 1899, the attraction was closed. Many bricks, timbers, and accouterments were sold off as souvenirs, with several acquired by the Chicago Historical Society.

An excellent relic deaccessioned from the Chicago Historical Society.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Prisoner of War, POW, Andersonville, Libby Prison] [Relics, Militaria] [Reconstruction, Veteran Era]