Crystal City: A Japanese American Confinement Site
It Began With Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that would propel the United States into World War II. One government response to the war was the incarceration of thousands of Japanese, German, and Italian Americans at various Department of Justice Enemy Alien confinement camps. Crystal City was one of the three camps established in Texas.
Spreading Awareness
With our help, the Texas Historical Commission has worked to bring public attention to this important place in history and has developed educational materials for the historic site.