Tule Lake

The Tule Lake Segregation Center, located in Modoc County, California, was the largest and most controversial of the ten War Relocation Authority (WRA) concentration camps that incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II.

Historical Significance

Initially opened as a standard WRA camp in May 1942, Tule Lake was converted into a maximum-security segregation center in 1943. The camp became a destination for individuals deemed “disloyal” by the WRA - primarily those who answered “no” to questions 27 and 28 of the infamous “loyalty questionnaire,” as well as those who requested repatriation to Japan.

Conditions and Control

Tule Lake operated under the most restrictive conditions of all the camps. The facility was surrounded by a double fence topped with barbed wire, patrolled by military police, and equipped with tanks stationed at the entrance. The camp held the largest population of any WRA facility, reaching 18,789 individuals at its peak.

The harsh conditions and strict control measures led to significant protests and unrest. In 1943, a labor strike erupted over poor working conditions and treatment. The Army responded by imposing martial law and constructing a stockade to imprison protest leaders.

Legacy

Tule Lake remained open longer than any other WRA camp, not closing until March 1946 - seven months after the end of World War II. Many of those incarcerated at Tule Lake faced additional hardship after their release, as they were among the last to leave and had to rebuild their lives with minimal resources and community support.

The site is now part of the Tule Lake Unit of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, managed by the National Park Service. The preserved camp structures and ongoing educational programs ensure that the story of Japanese American incarceration and resistance continues to be told.