Camp Beaver Dam facts for kids

Camp Beaver Dam was a special place in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, during the summer of 1944. It was a camp for World War II prisoners of war from Germany. About 300 German soldiers were held there in a temporary "tent city." Today, the field house of Wayland Academy stands where the camp once was.

What Was a Prisoner of War Camp?

During a war, when soldiers from one country are captured by the other side, they become "prisoners of war," often called POWs. These soldiers are kept in special camps until the war ends. These camps follow international rules to make sure prisoners are treated fairly.

Why Were There POW Camps in the U.S.?

During World War II, many German and Italian soldiers were captured by American forces. It was safer and easier to send these prisoners to camps within the United States. This also helped free up soldiers to fight on the front lines.

How Many POW Camps Were There?

The United States had many POW camps across the country. By the end of World War II, there were more than 500 main camps and over 1,000 smaller branch camps. These camps held hundreds of thousands of prisoners.

Camp Beaver Dam: A Temporary Home

Camp Beaver Dam was one of these smaller, temporary camps. It was set up quickly to help with the war effort.

Where Was the Camp Located?

The camp was in Beaver Dam, a city in Wisconsin. It was built on land that is now part of the Wayland Academy campus. Back then, it was just an open field.

What Did the Camp Look Like?

Instead of permanent buildings, Camp Beaver Dam was a "tent city." This means the prisoners lived in large tents. This type of camp could be set up fast and taken down easily once it was no longer needed.

Life for Prisoners at Camp Beaver Dam

Life in a POW camp was very different from being a regular soldier. Prisoners were not fighting, but they still had rules to follow.

What Did Prisoners Do?

Many prisoners in U.S. camps worked to help the American economy. They often worked on farms, helping with harvests, or in factories. This helped the war effort and also gave the prisoners something to do.

How Were Prisoners Treated?

The United States followed international agreements, like the Geneva Conventions, on how to treat prisoners of war. This meant prisoners received food, shelter, and medical care. They were also allowed to practice their religion and receive mail.

The End of Camp Beaver Dam

Camp Beaver Dam was only open for a short time during the summer of 1944. Once the need for it passed, the camp was closed. The prisoners were likely moved to other, larger camps or eventually sent home after the war ended.

Why Was It Only Open for a Summer?

Temporary camps like Camp Beaver Dam were often set up to meet specific, short-term needs, such as helping with a seasonal harvest. Once that need was met, the prisoners would be moved.

What Happened to the Land?

After the camp was taken down, the land went back to its original use. Today, the Wayland Academy field house stands on the site, a reminder of the changes the area has seen over time.