Day 331: Gila River War Relocation Center, Arizona
📌 APIA Every Day (331) - The Gila River War Relocation Center was located on the Gila River Indian Reservation in south-central Arizona, approximately 30 miles southeast of Phoenix. The center was divided into two separate camps—Canal and Butte—spread across the flat desert terrain of the reservation near the towns of Sacaton and Chandler. Situated within the lands of the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) peoples, the camp was one of ten incarceration sites used during World War II to forcibly confine Japanese Americans removed from the West Coast. The location’s remoteness, extreme heat, and limited natural resources made life difficult for the incarcerated individuals, while also imposing additional burdens on the tribal communities whose lands were used without their consent.
The Gila River War Relocation Center opened in July 1942 and operated until November 1945. At its peak, it held over 13,000 Japanese American men, women, and children, making it one of the largest of the incarceration camps. The residents were housed in hastily built barracks and subjected to military-style surveillance, surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by watchtowers. Despite the harsh conditions, those incarcerated at Gila River established schools, newspapers, places of worship, and even sports leagues, demonstrating resilience and a strong sense of community. Notably, some of the young men imprisoned there volunteered for military service, including the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in U.S. history. The incarceration left a lasting impact on the Japanese American community and the Gila River Indian Community, whose land was used without proper restitution.
Preservation efforts at the Gila River War Relocation Center have been ongoing, though challenging due to the remote location and limited remaining structures. Much of the original site has returned to desert or agricultural use, and access to the land is restricted, as it is still part of the Gila River Indian Community. However, the Japanese American community and members of the Gila River Indian Community have worked together to ensure that the memory of the incarceration is not lost. Memorials have been established near the site, and historical markers provide context for visitors. Organizations such as the Japanese American Citizens League and the Gila River Indian Community collaborate to support educational initiatives, host remembrance events, and advocate for greater recognition of the site’s historical significance. These efforts are part of a broader movement to acknowledge injustices committed during World War II and to honor the resilience of those who endured them.
Written by Billy Zeng
LEARN MORE:
NPS: Gila River Relocation Center
NPS: Gila River Relocation Center
Densho Encyclopedia: Gila River
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