Rivers, ArizonaGila River Indian Community land was selected by the United States Government as one of ten camp sites and construction was started without the permission of the community. The permit for the United States Government to use the tribal land was reluctantly granted on October 7, 1942, two months after the internees were moved in.
The Gila River Indian community brought claims against the United States in 1971 for failure to comply with the terms of the permit agreed to in 1942. Damages were finally awarded to the community in 1976.
The War Relocation Authority designated this site as Rivers, Arizona in honor of Jim Rivers, the first Pima Indian killed in action during World War I.
The center was closed in November, 1945 and Rivers, Arizona became only a name in history.The former internees, The Arizona Chapter of Japanese American Citizens, League and Friends who organized and funded these commemoratives, sincerely appreciate the permission and cooperation of the Gila River Indian Community in allowing these dedications.Canal CampSoon after the beginning of World War II President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066. This order directed the removal of 110,000 Japanese Americans and their immigrant parents from the West Coast of the USA. Over, 13,000 were sent to the Gila River Internment Center made up of Canal and Butte Camps located on the Gila River Indian Community land.Canal CampThe construction of the Canal Camp began on May 5, 1942. The first internees arrived on July 20, 1942. The population of 5,400 was at its peak on August 21, 1942. The majority of the internees were from central California.
Canal High School graduated 97 seniors in 1944. The schools in both camps were accredited by the Sate of Arizona. Canal High published a bi-weekly newspaper "High Tide" and an annual year book called "Rivulet".
Over 1,100 loyal citizens from both camps served in the U. S. Armed Services. A plaque honoring those that served and those that died for their country is located at the Butte Camp Memorial.
Up to 8,000 acres adjacent to the Canal Camp were farmed growing 42 different varieties of vegetables as well as live stock. A dehydration plant, a cannery and vegetable packing shed were also located near the Canal Camp. Nearly 1,000 internees from both camps worked on the farms.
Canal Camp was closed in October, 1945.The Monument Committee gratefully acknowledges the permission granted by the Gila River Indian Community to erect these monuments on their land.
Dedicated March 18, 1995
Gila River Internment Center
July 20, 1942 November 16, 1945
Four and one half miles south of this location, remains what was the Gila River Internment Center.
The Center, composed of two camps, was one of ten internment centers established during World War II to incarcerate 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry, the majority being American citizens. They were placed behind barbed wire under armed military guards without charge, trial or establishment of guilt. A total of 16,655 internees were incarcerated during various periods from 1942 to 1945 in Gila River, Canal Camp #1 and Butte Camp #2. These camps are reminders of how racism, economic and political exploitation, and expediency can undermine the constitutional guarantees of United States citizens and permanent resident aliens alike. The injustices and humiliation suffered here must never recur.
Displays, panels and photographs can be found inside the Museum of the Arts and Crafts Center as well as monuments located at the two camp sites. These stand as constant reminders that we must be ever vigilant that constitutional rights are protected for all in our struggle for a more perfect union.
Butte CampSoon after the beginning of World War II President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066. This order directed the removal of 110,000 Japanese Americans and their immigrant parents from the West Coast of the USA. Over 13,000 were sent to the Gila River Internment Center made up of Canal and Butte Camps located on the Gila River Indian Community land.Butte CampInternees began to arrive at Butte Camp on August 21, 1942. The population of 8,301 was at its peak on March 21, 1943. The majority of the internees were from Central Los Angles and the South Coastal regions of California.
The main center hospital was located at Butte Camp with an annex and clinic located at Canal Camp. The hospital had a 250 bed capacity. Five churches of Buddhist and Christian denominations were established. Other services such as a canteen, shoe repair shop, etc. were also available.
Butte High School graduated 136 seniors in 1944. The high school published a newspaper "Desert Sentinal" and an annual year book called "Years Flight." A total of 872 students graduated high school from both camps in 1943, 1944, and 1045.
The center newspaper "Gila News Courier" was published up to tri-weekly with a Japanese section and was operated by the internees.
The Butte camp and the Gila River Internment Center were officially closed on November 16, 1945.
The Monument committee gratefully acknowledges the permission granted by the Gila River Indian Community to erect these monuments on their land.Dedicated March 18, 1995
Servicemen's Honor Roll* Japanese * * Americans *
They fight for freedom not for fame
Upon his will he binds a radiant
Vet honor claims them as her own
chain for freedom's sake he is no longer free
While their families were interred at Gila River, many U. S. Citizens of Japanese ancestry volunteered to serve or were inducted into the U. S. Military services. They fought on both the European and Pacific fronts in defense of the United States. Sacrifices were made by these Americans of Japanese ancestry to demonstrate their loyalty to the Untied States of America.
This monument honors all those who served in the U.S. Military during World War II. It was originally dedicated on April 23, 1944 with 458 names. When the center was closed in November 1945 over 1,100 internees had entered the Military Services.
Died serving in the U.S.A. Military Armed Forces, Rivers Arizona
The following list names some of the service men who gave their lives. Some names may be unlisted by choice while others were not located, but they are all equally honored.
Araki, Pfc. Masashi · Fujino, S/Sgt. Russel · Furukawa, Pvt. Tatsumi · Hasimoto, Sgt. John · Hiyama, Pvt. Yeiichi · Ishida, Pvt, Min · Kanada, Pvt. James · Kojaku, Pfc. Shaw · Komoto, Pfc. Nobuo · Kondo, Pvt. Henry · Kurokawa, T/4 Ben · Masuda, S/Sgt. Kazuo · Masumoto, Pfc. George · Nishi, Pfc. Takanori · Ota, Pvt. George · Otani, S/Sgt. Kazuo CMH · Sakohira, Pfc. Todd · Shikata. T/3 George · Takasugi, T/Sgt. Katsumi · Teramoto, Sgt. Toshiaki · Wakita, Pfc. Masuo · Yeto, Pvt. Misuru · Yoshihara, Pvt. Makoto
Comments 0 comments