Manzanar, located in California’s Owens Valley, was one of ten internment camps established by the United States government during World War II to detain Japanese Americans and Japanese immigrants. Operational from 1942 to 1945, it became a symbol of a dark chapter in American history, reflecting the impact of wartime hysteria, racial prejudice, and civil rights violations. This report examines the historical context, establishment, life within the camp, its closure, and its legacy.
Historical Context
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, fear and suspicion of Japanese Americans grew on the West Coast. Despite no evidence of disloyalty, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, authorizing the forced removal of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans—two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens—from their homes. The War Relocation Authority (WRA) was created to oversee the relocation and internment process. Manzanar was one of the first camps established under this policy.
Establishment of Manzanar
Manzanar, located 220 miles northeast of Los Angeles near the Sierra Nevada, was selected for its remote location and existing infrastructure from a former agricultural community. The site spanned 6,200 acres, with the internment camp occupying 540 acres. Construction began in March 1942, and the camp opened on March 21, 1942, initially as a temporary “reception center.” By June, it was designated a War Relocation Center.
The camp consisted of 36 residential blocks, each with 14 barracks, a mess hall, and communal facilities. Barbed wire and eight guard towers surrounded the camp, emphasizing its prison-like nature. At its peak, the relocation camp housed over 10,000 internees, primarily from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Pacific Northwest.
Life in Manzanar
Life in the camp was marked by hardship, resilience, and community-building under oppressive conditions.
Living Conditions
- Housing: Internees lived in cramped, poorly insulated barracks divided into 20×25-foot units. Families shared these spaces with minimal privacy, using blankets or makeshift partitions. Harsh weather—scorching summers and freezing winters—exacerbated discomfort.
- Food and Work: Meals were served in mess halls, often consisting of low-quality food like mutton or rice. Internees worked in roles such as farming, teaching, or medical care, earning $12-$19 monthly. Some cultivated crops like guayule for rubber production.
- Education and Recreation: Schools were established for children, though resources were limited. Internees organized sports, cultural events, and newspapers like the Manzanar Free Press to maintain morale.
Challenges and Resistance
Internees faced loss of freedom, dignity, and property. Many had been forced to sell businesses and homes at a fraction of their value. Tensions occasionally flared, notably during the Manzanar Riot (December 6, 1942), sparked by the arrest of a popular internee leader. The clash resulted in two deaths and several injuries when military police fired on protesters.
Despite these challenges, internees demonstrated resilience. They created gardens, art, and community organizations, preserving cultural identity and hope.
Closure and Aftermath
As World War II ended, the camp is closed on November 21, 1945. Internees were given $25 and a one-way ticket to return to often-hostile communities. Many faced economic hardship and discrimination, having lost their pre-war livelihoods. The camp’s infrastructure was dismantled, leaving little physical evidence of its existence.
Legacy
Manzanar stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of fear-driven policy and racial prejudice. In 1988, the U.S. government formally apologized through the Civil Liberties Act, providing $20,000 in reparations to surviving internees. The site was designated a National Historic Site in 1992, managed by the National Park Service. Today, it features a visitor center, reconstructed barracks, and exhibits preserving the stories of those interned.
The camp’s history has inspired art, literature, and activism. Works like Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and the photography of Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange document the internees’ experiences. Manzanar serves as a call to uphold civil liberties and combat discrimination.
Conclusion
Manzanar encapsulates a complex interplay of injustice and human resilience. Its history underscores the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights during times of crisis. By studying the effects of the relocation, we honor the strength of those who endured it and commit to preventing such violations in the future.
Summary
| Name | Manzanar |
| Location | Inyo County, California |
| Latitude, Longitude | 36.7283, -118.1544 |
| Elevation | 3,850 ft |
| GNIS | 1659050 |
| Population | 10,000+ |
| Newspaper | Manzanar Free Press (1942 – 1945) |
| National Register of Historic Places | 76000484 |
Other Japanese Internment Camps:
- Gila River War Relocation Center, Arizona
- Granada War Relocation Center, Colorado (AKA “Amache”)
- Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, Wyoming
- Jerome War Relocation Center, Arkansas
- Manzanar War Relocation Center, California
- Minidoka War Relocation Center, Idaho
- Poston War Relocation Center, Arizona
- Rohwer War Relocation Center, Arkansas
- Topaz War Relocation Center, Utah
- Tule Lake War Relocation Center, California
Manzanar Map
Photos around Manzanar War Relocation Center
Further Reading
 Farewell to ManzanarFarewell to Manzanar, by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston In Farewell to Manzanar, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston recalls her childhood at a Japanese incarceration camp in this engrossing… |
 Manzanar (Images of America)Manzanar (Images of America) by Jane Wehrey Through a collection of vintage photographs, the Images of America series allows readers to explore the history that… |
