Camp Amache
Year Listed: 2001
County: Prowers County
Status: PROGRESS
Context: Multicultural
Date Constructed: 1942
Significance:
Fear of espionage led the United States government to exile thousands of Japanese American citizens to internment camps during World War II. In 1942, one of a few camps in the nation, Camp Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, was built on Colorado's eastern plains. The site was desiganted a National Historic Landmark in February 2006.
Threat When Listed:
Neglect, vandalism
Since Listing:
Granada High School staff and students, The Amache Club (formerly known as the Denver Central Optimists), city council members, Colorado Preservation, Inc., the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Colorado's Congressional Delegation have been working together to document and garner support for the preservation of Camp Amache. Supporters recently formed a nonprofit organziation, Friends of Amache, to maintain and expand the site.
Friends of Amache plan to add a museum to the site, expand interpretation an dreconstruct barracks and other structures on the camp. Ranchers have expressed an interest in donating the original barracks back to the site and the supporters want to reconstruct some of the watchtowers in their original locations. They would also like to continue the archaeological assessment and excavations.
In February 2006, Amache was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. The Amarche partners are working with Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave and Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar to pass legislation for Amache to receive affiliate status with the National Park Service, which will provide the site with long-term technical and financial assistance.
Related Links:
Amache Preservation Society
Last Updated:
July 2006