Manzanar Guard Tower
I had driven by this guard tower off of Highway 395 a few times. I always wondered why they would have a prison way out in the middle of this desolate area. Then I found out that this wasn't a former prison camp, but an internment camp for Japanese American citizens. This guard tower leads you into the Manzanar National Historic Site.
Only a few of the original buildings are still standing, but it is a pretty powerful experience to explore the area and think about what it would have been like to been one of the people that were forced to live in this unforgiving environment. The museum is one of the best I've seen at any national park or monument. Well worth a few minutes of your time if you drive down Highway 395.
Manzanar Guard Tower
I had driven by this guard tower off of Highway 395 a few times. I always wondered why they would have a prison way out in the middle of this desolate area. Then I found out that this wasn't a former prison camp, but an internment camp for Japanese American citizens. This guard tower leads you into the Manzanar National Historic Site.
Only a few of the original buildings are still standing, but it is a pretty powerful experience to explore the area and think about what it would have been like to been one of the people that were forced to live in this unforgiving environment. The museum is one of the best I've seen at any national park or monument. Well worth a few minutes of your time if you drive down Highway 395.