Manzanar - A Japanese American Internment Camp - WWII
"Blue Star Highway"Many people traveling on this highway pass by Manzanar without knowing of its history or existence. The irony is that the sign states that this 'Blue Star Highway' is "A tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America", while adjacent to it so many American citizens were prisoners of their own country. |
"Military Sentry Post"Built by stonemason-internee Ryozo Kado,This guardhouse would have been the first thing seen by internees arriving at Manzanar. It is one of the few buildings that still remain. |
Manzanar Entrance |
Manzanar CemeteryThe cemetery is in the back, and many people do not realize it is even there. This panoramic view gives you an idea of the landscape. The snow is still on the surrounding mountains, even though this photo was taken in May. |
Another View of the CemeteryAlthough 143 internees died at Manzanar, only 15 are buried in this cemetery. The others were buried in their hometowns. Note: the origami paper cranes on the fence and the memorial in the distance. |
Manzanar Cemetery |
Memorial with Colorful Paper CranesText on this side of the memorial - "August 1943" |
Memorial with Colorful Paper CranesText on this side of the memorial says - "Soul Consoling Tower" and on the left "erected by the Manzanar Japanese". |
"Manzanar High School"Opened in October, 1942, and graduated classes in 1943, 1944, and 1945. Its auditorium is being renovated by the National Park Service. |
Manzanar High School AuditoriumIn the distance is the auditorium, which is now being renovated. It was built by internees in 1944, and housed a gymnasium and a stage for plays, graduation ceremonies, and other social functions. |
"Camouflage Net Factory"Internees produced camouflage netting for the war effort! |
"Catholic Church"A Catholic church once stood at this site. Manzanar, also, had 3 Buddhist temples. |
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