Manzanar, California, Inyo County is a location steeped in history and intrigue, drawing those interested in the poignant narratives of the past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Inyo
Zip Code: 93526
Latitude / Longitude: 36.7255° N, 118.0702° W
Elevation: 3,727 feet (1,136 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1910
Disestablished: 1945
Comments: Manzanar is most famously known as one of ten camps where Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. The area originally began as an agricultural settlement in the early 20th century.
Its history is marked by the tragic and unjust internment of over 10,000 Japanese Americans, an event that has left a lasting impact on the nation’s history.
Remains: The site of the Manzanar War Relocation Center is now a National Historic Site. Visitors can find a cemetery monument, various building foundations, and reconstructed structures such as a guard tower and a mess hall.
There is also a visitor center that provides educational exhibits about the internment period and the history of Manzanar.
Current Status: Manzanar is preserved as a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service. It serves as a poignant reminder and educational center about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Remarks: Manzanar’s transformation from a small agricultural community to a significant historical site illustrates the complex layers of American history. Its preservation as a National Historic Site guarantees that current and future generations can learn about and reflect upon the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during the war, promoting dialogue about civil liberties and the importance of safeguarding them for all.
