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Rohwer Heritage Site: A Place of Remembrance

Reflect on the history of the Rohwer Japanese American Internment Camp, a poignant memorial to a difficult chapter in American history.

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The Rohwer Heritage Site in Tillar, Arkansas, marks the location of a former Japanese American internment camp that operated during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the memorial cemetery, view interpretive exhibits, and reflect on the history and impact of the internment on thousands of lives.

A brief summary to Rohwer Heritage Site

Local tips

  • Begin your visit at the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum in McGehee to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical context before visiting the Rohwer site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on gravel roads and uneven terrain.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months, due to the site's location in a swampy area.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as there are limited indoor facilities at the site.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Rohwer Heritage Site is located off of Arkansas Highway 1, approximately 13 miles northeast of McGehee. From McGehee, take AR-1 N. Look for signage and a guard tower next to a gravel road on your left. Turn onto the gravel road and park. The Rohwer Memorial Cemetery will be on your left. There is no fee to enter the site.

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Discover more about Rohwer Heritage Site

The Rohwer Heritage Site serves as a somber reminder of a dark chapter in American history. From 1942 to 1945, over 8,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated at the Rohwer Relocation Center, one of ten such camps established across the country following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The site, located in the swampy lands of southeastern Arkansas, offers a glimpse into the lives of those who were forcibly removed from their homes and communities. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the former camp, now a memorial to those who were interned there. Although most of the original buildings are gone, the Rohwer Memorial Cemetery remains, featuring monuments erected by the internees themselves, including one dedicated to Japanese American soldiers who fought for the U.S. during the war. A smokestack from the camp's hospital still stands, a silent sentinel of the past. Interpretive panels and audio kiosks guide visitors through the history of the camp, sharing stories of resilience, loss, and the struggle for justice. A replica guard tower offers a chilling reminder of the restrictions placed upon the internees. The nearby WWII Japanese American Internment Museum in McGehee provides additional context and artifacts from Rohwer and the Jerome Relocation Center, the other internment camp in Arkansas. Visiting the Rohwer Heritage Site is a moving experience, encouraging reflection on the importance of civil liberties and the need to remember the lessons of the past.

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