Manzanar Facts and Photos

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which meant all Japanese American people had to move to internment camps. These citizens had to leave behind their homes, jobs, businesses, and schools. They could only bring what they could carry with them.

Manzanar was one of 10 internment camps Manzanar was one of 10 internment camps. 110,000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned there. “Manzanar” refers to the Spanish word for apple orchard. The site was used for farming starting in 1910. Crops included apples, pears, peaches, potatoes, and alfalfa on several thousand acres surrounding the town.

Almost all of those forced into the camps went willingly. They were not allowed to keep their cars, so their vehicles were all impounded (seized).

The apartments were 20 by 25 feet or 16 by 20 feet The apartments were 20 by 25 feet or 16 by 20 feet. The size of a person’s apartment was determined by the size of their family. These apartments had no bathrooms or showers. The lack of privacy forced people to band together and be resourceful. For example, there were barber shops and other paid services that a town would have. The richest people made only 16 dollars a month.

Other jobs included farming, office work, and industrial work--including mattress, garment (clothing) and camouflage net factories.

There was also a high school, but only 2 classes graduated. The high school had many typical activities such as band, art, yearbook, and gym. There was also a "Children's Village,” which was home to 101 children during the war. It was an orphanage and Manzanar was the only camp to have one.

Over 135 people died at Manzanar, due mostly to the poor conditions. For example, it was hard to get water because the government did not want to send it there. This made growing food, for example, more difficult.

The 135 deaths only count those that were documented. And, although most of the internees were peaceful, protests did occur and 2 people were shot and died as a result.

In December 1944 President Roosevelt revoked Executive Order 9066 In December 1944 President Roosevelt revoked Executive Order 9066. Over the next six months, internees were released and the camp was shut down. In August 1945, the war was over. Manzanar was closed on November 21, 1945 and the people were given $25 dollars, train and bus fare.  Some people didn’t want to leave because they had nowhere to go, but they were forced to leave.

In 1992, Manzanar was made a National Historic Site and National Park.