A historical marker on the shoulder of Georgia 203 in Blackshear is the only indication of where 5,000 Union prisoners of war were held during the Civil War.

Local and state officials believe there is evidence buried at the 35-acre site, and they want an archaeological study to be done. Blackshear's tourism official, Tommy Lowman, says the land is pretty much as it was since the POWs were held there for two-months during Gen. Sherman's march through Georgia.

Officials say there are accounts of prisoners dying and being buried on the grounds. Barry Brown of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs says ground-penetrating radar could help determine what's buried there.

Tags: Civil War, civil war prison camp, historical marker, blackshear