Manzanar National Historic Site

One of ten internment camps built to incarcerate Japanese Americans during WWII, Manzanar War Relocation Center tells the tragic story of this chapter of American history. Through artifacts, excavated foundations, building reconstructions, letters, films, and excellent interpretation, the extensive hardships of living in a hastily constructed, cramped, and inhospitable internment camp in the middle of the harsh weather of the Owen’s Valley becomes graphic. The Visitor Center is outstanding, and the entire site can be explored by foot or by car.

As a destination in itself, or as a place to visit to or from the Eastern Sierras, this National Historic Site is truly compelling and critically important to experience.

Details

Location

Manzanar Reward Rd, on the west side of Hwy 395, 9 miles north of Lone Pine

Managed By

National Park Service

Website(s)

https://www.nps.gov/manz/index.htm

Distance from UCSB

283 mile

How To Get There

Drive

Things To Do

Historic/Cultural Interest, Viewing, Walking

Other Information

Among other significant injustices, the Japanese citizens who were captured and relocated to Manzanar and other camps had to leave behind most of their possessions and their homes, which were often seized when they were interned. These and other heart-breaking facts are well explained throughout the excellent National Park exhibits in the Visitor Center.

More than 10,000 internees were incarcerated, and up to 150 people died at Manzanar. A large majority of the internees were American citizens.

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Nearby Public Lands Worth Visiting

There are few places more jaw-droppingly beautiful than Inyo National Forest, which is located in the Eastern Sierras. The hiking and backpacking are some of the best in the world. The John Muir Wilderness hosts especially spectacular hikes.

Best Time To Visit

All seasons highlight the challenges faced by the Japanese American internees.