Hunt, Idaho facts for kids

Hunt is a small, rural area in Jerome County, Idaho, United States. It's located north of a town called Eden. This area is known for its history, especially because it was once the site of an important internment camp during World War II.

What is Hunt?

Hunt is what's called an unincorporated area. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own official local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger Jerome County. It's a quiet, countryside spot in the southern part of Idaho.

How Hunt Got Its Name

The area of Hunt was named after a person named Frank W. Hunt. He was an important figure in Idaho's history. Frank W. Hunt served as the Governor of Idaho from 1901 to 1903. Governors are like the main leaders of a state, similar to a mayor for a city, but for an entire state.

Minidoka National Historic Site

One of the most significant parts of Hunt's history is its connection to the Minidoka National Historic Site. This site marks where a special camp was located during World War II.

What Was Minidoka?

During World War II, the United States government made a difficult decision. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many people became worried about national security. Because of this, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an order that led to the creation of several "internment camps." These camps were places where people of Japanese descent, including many American citizens, were forced to move. They had to leave their homes and businesses, often with very little notice.

The Minidoka War Relocation Center, often called the Minidoka Internment Camp, was one of these places. It was built in the desert near Hunt, Idaho. From 1942 to 1945, thousands of Japanese Americans from states like Washington, Oregon, and Alaska were sent to live there. They lived behind barbed wire fences and were guarded by soldiers.

Life in the Camp

Life at Minidoka was very challenging. Families lived in small barracks, which were simple wooden buildings. They had to share bathrooms and dining halls. Despite the difficult conditions, people tried to create a sense of normal life. They built schools for children, started newspapers, and even grew gardens. Many people worked inside the camp, doing jobs like farming or teaching. It was a time of great hardship, but also a time when people showed incredible strength and community spirit.

Remembering Minidoka Today

Today, the Minidoka National Historic Site is a place for people to learn about this important part of American history. It helps us remember what happened and understand the impact it had on thousands of innocent people. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings and learn about the experiences of those who lived there. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting civil rights for everyone.

Famous People from Minidoka

Some notable people were born or lived in the Minidoka camp. One example is Dr. Gary A. Tanaka. He was born in the Minidoka camp and later became a very successful person. He studied at the MIT, which is a famous university known for science and technology.

Hunt's Place in Idaho

Hunt is considered part of the Twin Falls, Idaho Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to the economic and social life of the larger Twin Falls region, even though Hunt itself is a small, rural community.