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Manzanar National Historic SiteCemetery monument with flag. NPS Photo.
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Manzanar National Historic Site
Plan Your Visit
 

Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps at which Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II. Located at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada in eastern California's Owens Valley, Manzanar has been identified as the best preserved of these camps.

Today you may visit Manzanar and learn about the experience of the Japanese Americans at Manzanar and other eras of the site's history. You may drive a 3.2 mile auto tour and see remnants of orchards, rock gardens, building foundations, and the camp cemetery. Also, please plan to come inside the state-of-the-art Manzanar Interpretive Center where you will find extensive exhibits, a 22 minute film, and a bookstore.

 
Sentry post with snow covered sierra
NPS Photo
The Manzanar War Relocation Center historic entrance serves as the Historic Site's entrance today. The snow covered Sierra Nevada rise behind stone sentry posts built by internees in 1942.
 
Interpretive center, Layers of History panel
NPS Photo
Visit the Manzanar Interpretive Center to discover the rich layers of history here. Eight thousand square feet of exhibits offer stories, photographs, artifacts, audiovisual presentations, and opportunities for reflection.
Mountain lake with snow covered peaks in distance
Nearby attractions
Eastern California has incredible natural beauty as well as interesting history.
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Taiko drumming is a tradional part of Pilgrimage. NPS Photo.
Pilgrimage
Former internees, friends, and families gather at Manzanar the last Saturday of April
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Clouds building over snowy peaks
Weather
Get Owen's Valley Weather
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Map of Hawaii, 1927.  

Did You Know?
Hours after Pearl Harbor the Hawaiian territorial governor declared martial law. Japanese Americans were not forcibly removed from the islands, however, since they comprised one-third of the population and their labor was essential for the war effort.

Last Updated: September 22, 2008 at 19:31 EST