Details for Camp Fannin Internment Camp World War II P.O.W. Camp

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5507014566

Data

Marker Number 14566
Atlas Number 5507014566
Marker Title Camp Fannin Internment Camp World War II P.O.W. Camp
Index Entry Camp Fannin Internment Camp World War II P.O.W. Camp
Address US 271
City Winona
County Smith
UTM Zone 15
UTM Easting 293551
UTM Northing 3590211
Subject Codes military topics; World War II
Marker Year 2008
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location US 271, N side of eastbound lanes 0.4 mi. NE of SH 155. Marker reported missing Oct. 2018.
Private Property No
Marker Condition Missing
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text Camp Fannin was also the site of an internment camp, with the first prisoners of war (POWs) from Germany's Afrika Korps arriving in Oct. 1943. By early 1944, the military designated the site a POW base camp that administered a number of smaller branch camps in east Texas. As a result of a home front wartime manpower scarcity, upon the request of local representatives, the War Department allowed the use of POW labor in forestry and agriculture in East Texas. During its existence, the camp efficiently processed many thousands of POWs and held more than 1,000 at this location. After repatriating the POWs, the camp closed on May 10, 1946. Texas in World War II - 2008

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