Camp pilgrimages
Annual pilgrimages to the sites of former camps have become important events in the Japanese American community. They are an opportunity for former camp inmates to visit places that dramatically affected their lives, as well as a way for younger generations to learn the history of the Japanese American incarceration. Often the pilgrimages last for a few days and include workshops, tours of the former campsites, and memorial services to honor those who died while incarcerated.
Reflections on the past
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Camp pilgrimages
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Related articles from the
Densho Encyclopedia :
Camp pilgrimages,
Sue Kunitomi Embrey,
Warren Furutani
293 items
293 items
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Gidra, Vol. II, No. 1 (January 1970) (ddr-densho-297-10)
Selected article titles: "Soldiers Oppose War" (p. 2), "Remember 1942?" (p. 2), "Chuck Smokes Hi Pot" (p. 3). Prof Says - 'They're Quiet'" (p. 3), "Panthers 'Vamped' Again" (p. 3), "Rebel with a Cause . . ." (p. 6-7), "Tutorial Project" (p. 12-13).
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Exterior of barracks (ddr-densho-35-5)
These barracks housed Japanese Americans during World War II. There were approximately twelve barracks to a block and six apartments per barracks. Each apartment was 100 x 20 feet and housed one family. The exterior of these barracks have remained virtually untouched since World War II.
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Current view of the Minidoka concentration camp (ddr-densho-35-27)
This is the remainder of the Minidoka concentration camp, which was located in the wastelands of Idaho. Currently, the area is used for agriculture. A few structures as well as several monuments mark the site of the camp's 1942 location.
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Current view of the Minidoka concentration camp (ddr-densho-35-28)
Remainder of the Minidoka concentration camp. Currently, the area is used for agriculture. According to a former camp inmate, this chimney is from a room that was used as a waiting area for camp visitors.
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Current view of the Minidoka concentration camp (ddr-densho-35-30)
Remains of the Minidoka concentration camp. According to a former camp inmate, this is the entry to a waiting room for camp visitors.
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Exterior of barracks (ddr-densho-35-42)
Local farmers currently own several barracks from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Some barracks have been made into homes, while others, like the one shown here, have been converted into storage areas.
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Guard tower foundation (?) (ddr-densho-35-3)
This foundation remnant, presumably from a guard tower, is located outside the barbed-wire fence surrounding the stockade.
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Former site of Minidoka concentration camp, Idaho (ddr-densho-35-32)
The Minidoka concentration camp was located in the wastelands of southern Idaho. Currently, very few structures remain and the land is used for agriculture. Part of the camp existed in this area in the 1940s.
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Exterior of barracks and Castle Rock (ddr-densho-35-4)
These barracks are now on the property of a Tule Lake farmer. A rock formation that the Japanese Americans called "Castle Rock" can be seen in the background. After obtaining permission to go through the gates, camp inmates could climb to the top of the formation.
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Current view of barn on former Issei dairy farm (ddr-densho-35-47)
An Issei couple operated a large dairy farm in a town formerly known as Days, Washington. The 1,300 acre farm had a property line that extended beyond the area shown here. With the advent of World War II, the Nakashimas were forced to sell their property for a fraction of its worth. This is the interior …
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Exterior of barracks (ddr-densho-35-15)
These barracks are one of two owned by a local farmer. The exterior has not been renovated.
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Artifacts, Tule Lake concentration camp (ddr-densho-35-38)
The Tule Lake Museum, located on the fairgrounds, displays artifacts from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Shown here are parts of a wooden crate that presumably held items belonging to a camp inmate. The 27213 designation was probably the owner's family number.
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Coal-burning heater (ddr-densho-35-25)
The Tule Lake museum, located on the town's fairgrounds, contains artifacts from the Tule Lake concentration camp. Coal-burning heaters such as the one shown here were the primary source of heat for the camp inmates.
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Washroom foundation (ddr-densho-35-19)
This is a foundation from an old washroom. The Japanese Americans in camp did not have private washrooms, showers, toilets, or laundries. Each block, made up of approximately twelve barracks, shared such facilities.
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Exterior of barracks (ddr-densho-35-6)
Local farmers now own a few barracks from the Tule Lake concentration camp. The buildings are used for storage, have been made into homes and garages, or are abandoned, like this one. The exterior of the barracks have remained almost untouched since World War II.
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Washroom foundation (ddr-densho-35-18)
This is a foundation from an old washroom. The Japanese Americans in camp did not have private washrooms, showers, toilets, or laundries. Each block, made up of approximately twelve barracks, shared such facilities.
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Interior of barracks (ddr-densho-35-16)
These barracks are one of two owned by a local farmer. The interior appears to have been untouched since World War II.
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Boiler-room foundation (?) (ddr-densho-35-20)
This is believed to be the foundation of an old boiler room. The barracks apartments did not have running water. If a Japanese American wanted water, he or she would have to go to a communal facility such as the washroom. The boiler heated the water for the washroom, shower, and laundry.
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Monument (ddr-densho-35-2)
In 1979, to commemorate the Tule Lake concentration camp, the Japanese American Citizens League and the California State Department of Parks and Recreation erected this monument, located outside the stockade area.