While many of our national monuments celebrate the tradition of American freedom, the Manzanar National Historic Site serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of our individual civil rights. Located just east of the Sierra Nevada, in the Owens Valley of California, the former World War II Japanese internment camp offers an honest interpretation of the unconstitutional imprisonment of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans.

During the years of World War II, American attitudes towards people of German, Italian and Japanese decent became increasingly hostile; however, the federal government specifically targeted Japanese Americans as possible threats to national security. Within months of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066.

The order authorized the Secretary of War to create interment centers and initiate the forced relocation of nearly all Japanese Americans living on the west coast, two-thirds of who were natural born citizens of the United States. Forced to leave behind homes, businesses and most of their belongings, internees endured imprisonment in primitive camps devoid of nearly all the comforts of home.

Manzanar was the first of ten relocation centers operated by the War Relocation Authority. Covering nearly 6,000 acres, the camp’s location ensured both oppressive summers and harsh winters. Highlighted by poorly constructed barracks, poor sanitation and no privacy, life in the camp was difficult. However, the primitive conditions sparked incredible innovations by the imprisoned residents of Manzanar.

For more than three years, Manzanar operated as a completely self-contained community. Internees created parks, gardens, and livestock ranches. Additionally, residents operated a school, library, churches, athletic teams and a camp newspaper. Some industries within the camp, like a camouflage net manufacturing shop, supported the war effort.

The War Relocation Authority closed Manzanar in November of 1945. Released prisoners received twenty-five dollars and a bus ticket. It would be many years before imprisoned Japanese Americans would receive restitution and recognition for their unjust and unconstitutional confinement.

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Images: Source, Public Domain, Public Domain.