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Manzanar National Historic Site and its collection

Manzanar National Historic Site
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Manzanar is recognized as the most well-known World War II Japanese-American internment camp in the United States. It was one among the ten camps that held over 110,000 prisoners. This historical site provides a glimpse into a significant period in American history, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the experiences of Japanese-Americans during the war.

Location of Manzanar

Manzanar is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley in California. It is nestled between the towns of Lone Pine to the south and Independence to the north, approximately 370 km northeast of Los Angeles. The location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a worthwhile destination for visitors.

Preservation of Manzanar

The American National Park Service considers Manzanar as the best preserved of the former prisoner camps. It has been officially named the Manzanar National Historic Site. This recognition underscores the site's importance in preserving and presenting the history of Japanese-American internment during World War II to current and future generations.

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NLManzanar
DEManzanar War Relocation Center
ESManzanar
ITManzanar
FRManzanar
ENManzanar National Historic Site Visitor Center
ENManzanar

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology War Historic house

#36 Free museums in California #71 History & Anthropology in California #47 Historic houses in California #15 War museums in California #134 War museums in United States

#36 Free museums in California #71 History & Anthropology in California #47 Historic houses in California #15 War museums in California #134 War museums in United States
Manzanar National Historic Site
5001 US-395
CA 93526 Independence
California

Images of Manzanar National Historic Site

Visitor information Manzanar National Historic Site

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 16:30
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday
9:00 – 16:30
Saturday
9:00 – 16:30
Sunday
9:00 – 16:30

Closed Christmas Day

The Manzanar grounds are open daily sunrise to sunset, but building days and hours vary.

Admission

0+Free

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Manzanar National Historic Site.

Location & Map

5001 US-395, Independence

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Manzanar National Historic Site have been found.

Manzanar National Historic Site Reviews

Manzanar National Historic Site has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Manzanar National Historic Site in Independence, California, offers a sobering and educational experience about a dark chapter in American history. This site preserves the location of one of ten camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. Visitors consistently praise the well-maintained grounds and the informative exhibits that provide a comprehensive look at the lives of those interned here.

    The site features a reconstructed barracks and mess hall, giving visitors a tangible sense of the living conditions endured by internees. The interpretive center houses photographs, personal testimonies, and artifacts that effectively convey the human impact of this period. Many visitors find the audio tour particularly moving, as it includes first-hand accounts from former internees.

    The site's natural setting, with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, offers a stark contrast to the harsh realities presented in the exhibits. The auto tour around the camp's perimeter allows visitors to see the full scale of the site and includes stops at significant locations such as the cemetery and guard towers.

    While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy, visitors generally leave with a deeper understanding of this important historical event. Some note that certain areas of the site can feel sparse, which is partly intentional to reflect the camp's original state. A few visitors mention that the experience can be physically challenging due to the outdoor nature of much of the site, especially in extreme weather conditions.

    Overall, the Manzanar National Historic Site is widely regarded as a powerful and thought-provoking destination that effectively balances education with commemoration.

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