Located in the heart of Puyallup, Washington, Camp Harmony stands as a poignant reminder of a complex and challenging chapter in American history. This site, known officially as the Puyallup Assembly Center, was one of several temporary internment camps used during World War II to detain Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast. Today, it offers visitors a chance to reflect on the past and understand the resilience and strength of those who endured these hardships.
Camp Harmony was established in May 1942, just six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which authorized the removal of Japanese Americans from designated military areas, the camp quickly took shape. Approximately 7,390 Japanese Americans from Washington and Alaska were relocated to Camp Harmony before being transferred to more permanent War Relocation Authority camps in Minidoka, Idaho; Tule Lake, California; and Heart Mountain, Wyoming.
The camp was built near the Western Washington Fairgrounds, divided into four distinct zones. Zone A housed around 2,000 internees in the northeast section of the fairgrounds. Zone B, located to the east near the current Blue parking lot, accommodated 1,200 people. Zone C, in the northwest, held around 800 detainees, while Zone D, the largest, was situated within the fairgrounds proper, including the racetrack and grandstand, and housed approximately 3,000 individuals.
The living conditions at Camp Harmony were far from ideal. Internees were assigned to small apartments of about 50 square meters, each equipped with a small window, an electrical outlet, and a wood stove. Despite the cramped quarters, the camp provided some essential facilities. Each zone contained mess halls, laundry facilities, and latrines. Zone D even had a 100-bed hospital, while existing structures served as administrative offices and community centers.
Despite the challenging environment, the internees made efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy and community. They organized schools, religious services, and recreational activities to help pass the time and support one another. In May and June 1942, nearly 100 Japanese Americans left Camp Harmony to find work, attend educational institutions outside the exclusion zone, or be repatriated to Japan. On May 26, 196 men volunteered for an early transfer to Tule Lake to assist in the construction of that camp.
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On August 12, 1942, the process of transferring internees from Camp Harmony to the Minidoka Relocation Center began. The journey was arduous, involving a 30-hour train ride in 16 groups of about 500 people each. The last train departed from Puyallup on September 12, marking the end of Camp Harmony's role in the internment process.
Following the departure of the internees, the site was handed over to the Ninth Service Command at Fort Lewis on September 30, 1942. The Western Washington Fairgrounds were then occupied by the 943rd Signal Battalion until their transfer to Fort Lewis in December. The fairgrounds remained closed to the public for the duration of the war, serving as an army training center.
After World War II, the Western Washington Fairgrounds reopened, hosting its first fair in September 1946. The legacy of Camp Harmony, however, continued to resonate with the community. On November 25, 1978, a Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans was held at the fairgrounds, drawing 2,000 attendees. Five years later, on August 21, 1983, Washington Governor John Spellman and state representatives unveiled a sculpture by George Tsutakawa. This memorial honors those who were interned at Camp Harmony during the war.
Today, visitors to the Western Washington Fairgrounds can reflect on the history of Camp Harmony and the resilience of the Japanese American community. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of civil liberties and the need to protect them, even in times of national crisis. By exploring this chapter of history, we can better understand the complexities of the past and work towards a more just and inclusive future.
When planning a visit to Puyallup, make sure to include a stop at the Western Washington Fairgrounds to pay homage to the history of Camp Harmony. While the fairgrounds are now a bustling venue for events and fairs, the memory of what took place here remains an integral part of its identity. Take a moment to visit the memorial sculpture by George Tsutakawa and reflect on the stories of those who lived through this challenging period.
Exploring Camp Harmony offers a unique opportunity to connect with a significant piece of American history. It is a chance to honor the strength and resilience of the Japanese American community and to learn from the past to ensure that such injustices are never repeated. As you walk through the fairgrounds, imagine the lives of those who were once confined here and consider the enduring impact of their experiences on our collective history.
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