Rohwer Internment Camp, Cemetery
Desha County, Arizona, USA
Panoramic photo collage with Fuji Crystal Archive prints
1995
33" x 65"
Research: Rohwer Relocation Camp
Location: Desha County, Arkansas, 110 miles southeast of Little Rock and 27 miles south of McGehee.
Land: Farm Security Administration land.
Size: 10,161 acres; the center was divided into two camps: North and South.
Peak population: 8,475
Date of peak: October 30, 1942
Opening date: September 11, 1942
Closing Dates:
North Camp: October 28, 1945
South Camp: October 28, 1945
Climate: Humid subtropical climate: Hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Swampy terrain with heavy rainfall and high humidity. The lowland location created oppressive conditions.
Population Origins:
Of the 8,475 Americans held prisoner here...
3,952 prisoners were from Los Angeles, CA prisoners were from 0
1,972 were from Fresno, CA prisoners were from 1
1,797 were from Santa Barbara, CA prisoners were from 2
815 were from San Joaquin, CA prisoners were from 3
695 were from Contra Costa and Ventura Counties, CA prisoners were from 4
Industry: A camouflage net factory operated from Fall 1942, to May 1943; a model warship factory produced 900 models for the navy.
History: Rohwer was built on Farm Security Administration land in the swampy lowlands of southeastern Arkansas. The site's challenging terrain and humid conditions made it one of the most difficult camps. Despite the poor conditions, Rohwer operated a substantial agricultural program, farming several thousand acres and raising livestock. The camp saw multiple project directors in its early months before stabilizing. Like its sister camp Jerome, Rohwer struggled with inadequate housing as internees arrived before construction was complete. Inadequate sanitation and sewage facilities combined with the swampy, humid conditions led to outbreaks of illness. The camp operated until October 1945, making it one of the last camps to close.