Manzanar, Historical internment camp in Owens Valley, California, US
Manzanar is a former internment camp located in Owens Valley below the Sierra Nevada mountains and now preserved as a National Historic Site. The grounds display reconstructed barracks, guard towers, cemeteries, and gardens that show how internees lived during their confinement.
The camp opened in 1942 following Executive Order 9066 during World War II and held roughly 10,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast. It closed in 1945 when the government ended the forced removal policy.
The name Manzanar comes from Spanish words for apple orchards that once covered the land before the camp was built. Internees kept community bonds strong through shared meals, schools, and cultural events that helped people maintain their identity despite the harsh circumstances.
The site is open throughout the day with a visitor center offering exhibits and guidance. Plan your visit during cooler months since summer heat in this desert location can be intense.
Internees built thriving gardens and chicken farms in this dry desert setting despite severe water shortages. These vegetable plots and farms allowed them to feed themselves and ease daily hardships.
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