In a heartwarming transformation, Colorado’s Camp Amache has officially become the newest addition to the U.S. National Park System. This historic site, once an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, has been repurposed into a national park that honors its past while providing a sanctuary for wildlife and visitors alike.
Camp Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, was home to over 10,000 people of Japanese descent who were forcibly relocated and imprisoned between 1942 and 1945. The camp’s conversion into a national park serves as a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in American history, ensuring that future generations can learn from the past and work towards a more just and equitable society.
The National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams, who is the first Native American to hold this position, emphasized the importance of including all aspects of history, even the difficult ones. He stated, “Amache’s addition to the National Park System is a reminder that a complete account of the nation’s history must include our dark chapters of injustice.”
The journey to this milestone began years ago with the efforts of the Amache Preservation Society and local high school volunteers who maintained the site. Their dedication, along with bipartisan support from Colorado lawmakers, culminated in President Joe Biden signing a bill in 2022 to establish Camp Amache as a national historic site. This year, the National Park Service made it official, adding Camp Amache to its roster of protected sites​.
Visitors to the new national park can explore the remnants of the camp, including restored barracks and a water tank, while learning about the experiences of those who lived there. This site now stands as both a place of reflection and a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of preservation and education in fostering understanding and reconciliation.
In addition to its historical significance, Camp Amache offers a unique natural environment for visitors to enjoy. The park provides a peaceful setting for wildlife and a space for visitors to connect with nature, making it a valuable addition to Colorado’s diverse landscape of protected areas.
As we celebrate this positive development, Camp Amache serves as a testament to the resilience of those who endured its hardships and a commitment to ensuring that such injustices are never repeated. This transformation is a shining example of how we can honor our history while creating spaces that inspire and educate future generations.