Camps
Initial Relocation Camps
Before the internment camps were built, Japanese Americans were sent to temporary relocation centers. One such camp was at a race track where they simply white washed the walls and put plywood floors down.
Before the internment camps were built, Japanese Americans were sent to temporary relocation centers. One such camp was at a race track where they simply white washed the walls and put plywood floors down.
Population of the Camps
Over two thirds of those sent to prison camps were Nisei, born in the United States, and were citizens of the United States. Everyone, whether a newborn or a ninety year old grandparent, was forced into the camps.
Over two thirds of those sent to prison camps were Nisei, born in the United States, and were citizens of the United States. Everyone, whether a newborn or a ninety year old grandparent, was forced into the camps.
Camps
The ten camps were hastily completed in isolated areas in seven western states. Families were often housed in ill prepared shacks that were too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. The camps were prisons with guns pointed inward and rules to follow. (See Camp Rules ca. 1942)
The ten camps were hastily completed in isolated areas in seven western states. Families were often housed in ill prepared shacks that were too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. The camps were prisons with guns pointed inward and rules to follow. (See Camp Rules ca. 1942)
Reinventing Life
The prisoners tried to recreate as 'normal' a life as they could. Boy and Girl Scout troops were formed. Baseball teams were started. Camp newspapers were published such as the Manzanar Campus Pepper. Gardens were planted and traditional Japanese art created.
The prisoners tried to recreate as 'normal' a life as they could. Boy and Girl Scout troops were formed. Baseball teams were started. Camp newspapers were published such as the Manzanar Campus Pepper. Gardens were planted and traditional Japanese art created.