Topaz

Historical Overview

The Topaz concentration camp, officially designated as the Central Utah Relocation Center, was constructed in the summer of 1942. The first internees arrived on September 11, 1942, primarily Japanese Americans who had been previously held at the Tanforan Assembly Center in California.

The camp was laid out in a one-mile square, with guard towers positioned at regular intervals along the perimeter fence. The living areas were divided into blocks, each containing 12 residential barracks, a mess hall, a recreation hall, and a combination bathroom-laundry facility.

Notable Events

• September 11, 1942: First internees arrive at Topaz
• April 11, 1943: James Wakasa shot and killed by guard tower sentry
• 1943: Establishment of art school by Chiura Obata
• October 31, 1945: Camp officially closes

Camp Life

Despite harsh conditions, internees established various community institutions including:

• The Topaz Times (camp newspaper)
• Schools for children and adults
• Art school and workshops
• Agricultural projects
• Religious facilities
• Recreation programs

Present Day

Today, the Topaz site is a National Historic Landmark. The Topaz Museum in Delta, Utah, preserves artifacts, photographs, and documents from the camp, and works to educate the public about this important chapter in American history.