Camp Houlton facts for kids

Camp Houlton was a special place in Houlton, Maine, during World War II. It was a prisoner-of-war camp, which means it held soldiers who had been captured by the enemy during the war. This camp operated from October 1944 to May 1946. It was built on what used to be the Houlton Army Air Base.

What Was Camp Houlton?

Camp Houlton was a temporary home for over 1,100 German soldiers who were captured during World War II. These soldiers were held safely at the camp until the war ended. The camp helped manage the large number of prisoners taken during the conflict.

Life and Work at the Camp

Life at Camp Houlton was organized. Some of the German prisoners were allowed to leave the camp to work on nearby farms. This helped local farmers who needed extra help, especially since many American men were away fighting in the war.

For their work, the prisoners received a special kind of payment called scrip. This wasn't regular money, but more like tokens or coupons that could only be used inside the camp. They could spend their scrip at the camp store to buy things they needed or wanted, like snacks or small personal items.

What Happened to the Camp?

After World War II ended in 1945, the need for prisoner-of-war camps decreased. Camp Houlton closed down in May 1946. Today, the land where Camp Houlton once stood is now the Houlton International Airport.