The Andersonville National Historic Site had a $9.2 million benefit to the local economy last year, according to a report from the National Park Service.

The report found that in 2015 the national site attracted 114,816 visitors who spent $7.4 million in communities near the park. Park Service officials say that spending supported 128 jobs, adding another $1.8 million to the local economy.

“Andersonville National Historic Site welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” Superintendent Charles Sellars said. “We are honored to preserve and share the stories of American prisoners of war throughout history. Each site within Andersonville National Historic Site – the historic Camp Sumter Civil War Prison, Andersonville National Cemetery, and the National Prisoner of War Museum – offers a unique and powerful experience for visitors. All of them serve to remember and honor American soldiers who fought, suffered, and died for their country and for our freedom.

“The (Andersonville) park also serves to introduce our visitors to this part of Georgia and all that it offers.”

The spending analysis, coming out as the National Park Service marks its centennial anniversary, found that U.S. national parks have a $32 billion cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy, with $16.9 billion of that coming from direct spending by the park system’s 307.2 million visitors.

“National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well,” Sellars said. “We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. According to the 2015 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (31.1 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.2 percent), gas and oil (11.8 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.8 percent).