I believe in America. I believe that overall America has guarded the liberty and freedoms of more people than any other country on earth. We have however made mistakes along the way and the forced relocation of 120,000 Japanese Americans during the 2nd World War was one of our darkest days. However one good things about America is that when we have made mistakes we don't deny or cover them up.


Manzanar is located in the Owens Valley along the eastern foothills of the Seirra Nevada Mountains. There is ample signage along highway 395.

Manzanar is a good example of this. This memorial is here to shine light on that piece of injustice and make sure something like it never happens again.

Located in the southern Owens Valley, Miss Lynn and I just happened upon Manzanar as we headed up the 395 on the way to see the Grandkids. We had to stop to check out this piece of history.

Because the government did not make a distinct difference between those that were loyal and those suspected to be unloyal, it caused tensions in the camps that erupted in the Manzanar Riot of 1942. After that changes were made in all the relocation centers. There were 10,000 people here at this mile square camp. While the living conditions were not perfect they were a lot better than anything the Japanese or Germans kept Americans in I assure you. In the 70's President Carter formed an investigative committee that concluded the entire policy was based on racism and in the 80's President Reagan signed a bill that gave reparations to all the survivors.

I visited one of the fishing villages whose people were sent here and you can check that out under Roaddogs Histories. Or hit the link here "Japanese Fishing Village"


Entrance to Manzanar


Entrance to the mess hall


Basketball court outside a dormitory.


Entrance Door


Typical kitchen inside a Mess hall


Dining Room inside of Mess hall


Typical Classroom


Community Toilets


Guard tower at Manzanar.

Summary of the Manzanar riot of 1942

The Manzanar riots, also known as the Manzanar War Relocation Center Riot, occurred in December 1942 during World War II.

The December 1942 riot was triggered by a series of tensions and grievances among the internees at Manzanar. These tensions included overcrowding, inadequate living conditions, lack of privacy, and frustration with the curfew and restrictions imposed on them. Additionally, there was a generational and cultural gap between the older Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) and the younger Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans), contributing to the unrest.

The immediate catalyst for the riot was a conflict between a group of internees who were trying to resolve issues through negotiation and peaceful protest and a group of internees who advocated more aggressive action, including vandalism and sabotage. This division led to violent clashes within the camp, resulting in property damage and injuries.

In response to the riot, military police and the camp's administration imposed martial law, and several individuals were arrested and sent to other internment camps. The incident exposed the deep-seated frustrations and tensions within the internment camp system, highlighting the difficult conditions and civil liberties violations faced by Japanese Americans during their forced incarceration. The Manzanar riots serve as a poignant reminder of the hardships and injustice endured by Japanese Americans during this turbulent period in American history.

 

   


National Parks and Monuments