Amache National Park: A Way of Preserving History and the Camp's Natural Beauty

Amache National Park stands as a testament to both the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of Colorado's amazing landscape. The park is nestled in southeastern Colorado, this park holds a unique and poignant history, serving as a reminder of a dark chapter in American history while also providing a sanctuary for today's outdoor enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the natural landscape. What began in 1990 as a Granada high school group's, the Amache Preservation Society, way to preserve the camp's history and documents has now become our Nation's newest National Park.

History of the Camp

During World War II, about 125,000 Japanese Americans (90%) were forcibly relocated to internment camps across the United States, a result of Executive Order 9066. One of 10 such camps was Camp Amache, named after a Cheyenne chief's daughter, which is located near the town of Granada, Colorado. The official name was Granada War Relocation Center named after the town of Granada, Colorado. The camp was hastily built with simple wooden barracks that had poor insulation and were very cold in the winter months. From 1942 to 1945, over 10,000 Japanese Americans (most from Central California) called Amache home from 1942 to the end of the war. They endured harsh living conditions, were forced to live in barracks surrounded by barbed wire fences with 8 guard towers on the perimeter guarded by armed soldiers.

The incarcerees had little privacy and had to live in a very cramped space with families living in 20x20' rooms. They had to walk to the shower house; the latrines had no walls between toilets; and they had to stand in long lines at the chow hall to eat unfamiliar foods. The traditional family units began to break down due to these issues. All facets of daily life were overseen by WRA, War Relocation Authority, but the incarcerees provided the labor for all the needed services. They were a souce of cheap labor by the government as monthly wages in the camp were about $19 versus the wages earned outside the camp of $140 a month. Much of the 8,000 acres of land around the camp was used for agricultural production...to feed the camps and support the war time effort.

Many of the men of the camps were allowed to serve in the army after June 1942 when the War Department lifted the ban on men of Japanese descent. There were over 33,000 Nisei (Japanese who were American citizens) who served in the military during the war with 441 coming from Camp Amache. The Nisei had a high casualty rate and one of their battalions was know as the “Purple Heart Battalion” due the their heroism and horrific casualties.

At its peak, Amache housed around 7,500 people, making it one of the largest internment camps in the United States during World War II. Families were uprooted from their homes and livelihoods, forced to live in cramped quarters and endure the indignity of being labeled as enemy aliens.

Becoming a National Park

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the legacy of Amache and ensure that future generations do not forget this dark period in American history. In 2006, the site was designated as Amache National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in the story of Japanese American internment. Then, in 2024, Amache was officially designated as a national park, thanks to the advocacy of survivors, descendants, and supporters who worked tirelessly to protect and honor the site's legacy.

Landscape and Location

Amache National Park spans over 10,000 acres of southeastern Colorado, encompassing the former site of the internment camp. The landscape is characterized by vast prairies, rolling hills, and sweeping views of the surrounding plains and mountains. Visitors to the park can explore remnants of the camp, including reconstructed barracks, mess halls, and administrative buildings, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of those who were incarcerated there. Much of the area was used for farming during the war. The Park is new and will develop many of the traditional National Park features like a visitor's center, restrooms, trails and more interpretative sites.

Exploring the Park

As visitors wander through Amache National Park, they'll encounter various points of interest that offer insight into the daily lives of those who were confined within its boundaries. All the original structures are gone as they were not built to last when they were constructed during the war. There are some reconstructed barracks and mess halls that stand as silent witnesses to the hardships endured by incarcerees, while interpretive exhibits provide context and understanding of the events that transpired here.

Nature's Resilience

Despite its somber history, Amache National Park is also a place of natural beauty and resilience. The surrounding landscape teems with diverse flora and fauna, with prairie grasses swaying in the breeze and wildlife such as deer and birds of prey making their home among the hills. Trails wind through the park, inviting visitors to explore and reconnect with nature while reflecting on the past.

Educational Opportunities

In addition to its recreational offerings, Amache National Park provides valuable educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Interpretive programs and exhibits delve into the complex history of Japanese American internment, shedding light on the experiences of those who were unjustly imprisoned here. Through storytelling, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, the park aims to foster empathy, understanding, and dialogue about this dark chapter in American history. There is also a very comprehensive museum in Granada that details the camp's history.

Preserving the Legacy

Preserving the legacy of Amache National Park is an ongoing endeavor that relies on the support and engagement of the community. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the park, assisting with everything from landscaping and maintenance to leading tours and educational programs. Donations are also vital for funding conservation efforts, preserving historic structures, and expanding visitor amenities.

Exploration and Engagement

Visitors to Amache National Park have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and engagement with the site through a variety of activities and initiatives. Special events, such as annual commemorations and cultural celebrations, offer opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and community building. Educational programs, workshops, and lectures provide avenues for learning and discussion, inviting visitors to explore the complex legacy of Japanese American internment in depth. Currently there is the historic cemetery, the monument for veterans, reconstructed buildings and multiple interpretive panels. There is a self driving audio tour that will take one to 11 points of interest on the site. All the original structures have been removed in the past, but all the concrete foundations are still in place so that once can see how the camp was laid out. You can also visit the Amache museum in the town of Granada for a detailed look of the camp.

Community Involvement and Outreach

Amache National Park actively engages with local communities, descendants of incarcerees, and stakeholders to ensure that diverse voices are heard and represented. Collaborative projects, partnerships with schools and universities, and outreach efforts help foster connections and build bridges between past and present. By working together, we can ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten and that the stories of those who lived and suffered at Amache are preserved for future generations. Ongoing conservation efforts, archaeological research, and historic preservation projects help safeguard the physical remnants of the camp and ensure that its story is accurately told. By maintaining the integrity of the landscape and honoring the experiences of those who were incarcerated here.

Should You Visit Amache National Park?

You should visit Amache National Park and discover the stories of resilience, courage, and hope that endure within its boundaries. Join us in preserving and sharing the legacy of Japanese American internment, and together, we can ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten. Plan your visit today and embark on a journey of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation at Amache National Park.

Amache National Park is more than just a place of historical significance—it is a living testament to the resilience, courage, and humanity of the individuals who lived and suffered within its boundaries. By preserving their stories and honoring their memory, we ensure that their legacy endures, inspiring future generations to strive for a world free from injustice and oppression. It is the 64^th National Park and it will be a place that is developed to educate and ensure that the lessons of Amache are not forgotten and that the voices of those Japanese Americans who were silenced are heard and remembered.

Some FAQs about Amache National Park

What is the significance of Amache National Park? Amache National Park serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.
How can visitors explore Amache National Park? Visitors can explore the park through guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and self-guided walks along designated trails that lead to various points of interest within the former campsite.
What facilities are available at Amache National Park? The park does not offer a visitor center as of yet, but there are picnic areas and educational sites/programs and events aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue about the history of Japanese American internment.
Are there any accommodations near Amache National Park? While there are no accommodations within the park itself, visitors can find lodging options in nearby towns such as Granada and Lamar, Colorado.
How can I support the preservation efforts at Amache National Park? You can support the preservation efforts at Amache National Park by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness about the park's history and significance. Your support helps ensure that the legacy of Japanese American internment is remembered and honored for generations to come.