Fort Lincoln Internment Camp facts for kids
Fort Lincoln Internment Camp was a special place in North Dakota. It was a military base and later a camp during wartime. It was located near Bismarck, North Dakota, right by the Missouri River.
This fort started in 1895. It replaced an older fort called Fort Yates. For many years, it was a training spot for soldiers.
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Fort Lincoln: From Military Post to Internment Camp
In April 1941, Fort Lincoln changed. It became a camp for 'enemy aliens'. These were sailors from Germany and Italy. They were captured in U.S. waters. At this time, the U.S. was not yet officially in World War II.
About 800 Italian sailors arrived first. They were soon moved to another camp in Montana. Then, 280 German sailors came to Fort Lincoln in May.
World War II and Camp Expansion
After the U.S. joined World War II, the camp grew. The Department of Justice took over. More space was made for American civilians. These were people of Japanese and German heritage. Most were not U.S. citizens. They were arrested because of suspicions. There was often no strong proof against them. They also did not always get a fair legal process.
Japanese Americans at Fort Lincoln
Japanese American people were moved to other camps in 1942. This left Fort Lincoln with German prisoners of war. It also held German American civilians. This continued until February 1945.
On February 14, 1945, things changed again. About 650 Japanese Americans arrived. They came from other camps. Some were Nisei, meaning they were born in the U.S. They had given up their U.S. citizenship. This was often due to harsh conditions or pressure. Others were Issei, who were born in Japan. They had asked to return to Japan. This was also often under great stress.
About 100 more people who had given up their citizenship arrived in July. Many of these men were sent to Japan later in 1945.
In total, about 3,600 people passed through Fort Lincoln during the war. The most people at the camp at one time was 1,518. This happened in February 1942.
After the War
After World War II ended, Fort Lincoln closed down. Today, the land is home to United Tribes Technical College.
