The Rohwer & Jerome Japanese American Relocation Centers in Southeast Arkansas
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, the incarceration of Japanese Americans began in the United States.
Map can be located at https://rohwer.astate.edu/history/
In February 1942, Franklin D Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans from parts of the United States that were considered vulnerable to attack during the war. This order was shortly followed by Executive Order 9102, which established the War Relocation Authority. Ten relocation centers were developed in the Western and Southern United States. From 1942 to 1945, more than 8,000 Japanese Americans were interned at the The Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center in Desha County, Arkansas. About 27 miles from there in Drew County, Arkansas another 8,497 Japanese Americans were interned at the Jerome War Relocation Center.
These individuals experienced constant violation of their civil and human rights. When the last internment camp closed in 1946, many of these Americans had to start their lives over completely, and carry the weight of their experiences being interned with them. While some attempted to return to their original homes and communities, many families faced financial ruin, lost their businesses and incomes, and made the choice to not return. Reports were later compiled that contain information about internees including things like their name, date of birth, marital status, citizenship status, entry date into the camp, pre-evacuation address, date of departure, and final destination. Today, the WWII Japanese-American Internment Museum stands as an Arkansas State University Heritage Site with a mission to "tell the stories of the Rohwer and Jerome relocation centers in Arkansas and to remember and honor those who were interned there." Curious learners can use the many primary and secondary resources curated there to discuss these important events in Arkansas and U.S. History.
Five Ways to Discuss Rohwer & Jerome in the Social Studies Classroom:
Interview Discussion:
On the fifth anniversary of the opening of the WWII Japanese-American Internment Museum, Mr. George Takei (Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise 1701-A, to you Star Trek fans) shared his experience being interned with his family at the Rohwer Internment Camp.
Discuss the xenophobia & racism Japanese Americans faced following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Takei discusses topics like being denied military service, strict curfews, and frozen finances, before Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 which began the process of interning Japanese Americans across the United States.
"Liberty and Justice for all" & "All Men are Created Equal" — These phrases and ideals deeply resonated with Takei. Why might that be?
Primary Source readings:
Read and discuss Franklin D. Roosevelt's E.O. 9066 & E.O. 9102.
What was the reasoning behind these orders?
What individuals and groups supported or opposed these laws?
How were these new orders enforced?
LIFE INTERRUPTED COLLECTION:
This content collection available through the University of Arkansas, Little Rock contains primary source materials like photographs, speeches, and interviews, as well as complete curriculum collections for those interested in learning more or discussing the Rohwer & Jerome sites.
Visualization activity:
Use this interactive map to visualize the migration and experiences of internees beginning with the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942 to the camps' closures from 1945-1946.
Research Activities:
Explore the Encyclopedia of Arkansas entries about Japanese American internment in Arkansas. There are several entries to read and discuss, and all include additional resource materials for those interested in exploring topics further.
Plan a Visit:
Today, the WWII Japanese-American Internment Museum is located at 100 South Railroad Street in McGehee, Arkansas. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. Children under 12 and educational groups can attend for free! The museum offers a variety of resources, speaking events, and educational opportunities.
For additional information, please contact the museum at (870) 222-9168 or visit the museum site page at https://rohwer.astate.edu/plan-your-visit/
