Jerome War Relocation Center

The Jerome War Relocation Center was one of ten concentration camps in the United States where Japanese Americans were forcibly detained during World War II. Located in southeastern Arkansas, it operated from October 1942 to June 1944. The camp was built on over 10,000 acres of land and housed around 8,000 incarcerees at its peak. Conditions at Jerome were harsh, with overcrowded barracks, limited medical care, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Despite these challenges, incarcerees made efforts to create a sense of community, establishing schools, churches, and recreational activities within the confines of the camp.

Life in the Jerome War Relocation Center was marked by the loss of personal freedom and the infringement of civil liberties. Families were uprooted from their homes and businesses and forced to live in cramped quarters surrounded by barbed wire fences and guard towers. Despite the difficult circumstances, many incarcerees demonstrated resilience and perseverance, maintaining cultural traditions and forging friendships amidst adversity. The closure of the camp in June 1944 marked the end of its role in the internment of Japanese Americans, but its legacy continues to serve as a reminder of the injustices committed during wartime hysteria and the importance of upholding civil liberties for all citizens.