Historical Marker

Kenedy Enemy Alien Detention Site, WWII

Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

KENEDY ENEMY ALIEN DETENTION STATION, WORLD WAR II

SHOCKED BY THE DECEMBER 7, 1941, EMPIRE OF JAPAN ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII THAT PROPELLED THE U.S. INTO WORLD WAR II, ONE U.S. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE WAS THE INCARCERATION OF MORE THAN 120,000 ISSEI (FIRST GENERATION, JAPANESE IMMIGRANTS) AND NISEI (SECOND GENERATION, U.S. CITIZENS) IN WAR RELOCATION AUTHORITY CAMPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THROUGH SEPARATE CONFINEMENT PROGRAMS, THOUSANDS OF JAPANESE, GERMAN, AND ITALIAN CITIZENS IN THE U.S. (AND IN MANY CASES, THEIR U.S. CITIZEN RELATIVES), CLASSIFIED AS ENEMY ALIENS, WERE DETAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) THROUGH ITS ENEMY ALIEN CONTROL UNIT, AND, IN LATIN AMERICA, BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S SPECIAL WAR PROBLEMS DIVISION. ENEMY ALIENS WERE HELD UNTIL PAROLED OR EXCHANGED FOR U.S. AND ALLIED CITIZENS SEIZED OVERSEAS BY AXIS NATIONS.

TEXAS HOSTED THREE DOJ CONFINEMENT SITES, ADMINISTERED BY THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE (INS) AT CRYSTAL CITY, SEAGOVILLE, AND HERE, AS WELL AS TWO U.S. ARMY TEMPORARY DETENTION STATIONS AT FORT SAM HOUSTON AND FORT BLISS. PREVIOUSLY CAMP KENEDY SERVED AS A WORLD WAR I TRAINING CAMP AND LATER AS A CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS (CCC) CAMP. IN MARCH 1942, THE SITE TRANSFERRED FROM THE CCC TO THE INS.

ON APRIL 21, 1942, THE CONFINEMENT SITE’S FIRST DETAINEES ARRIVED––PRIMARILY ADULT MALES FROM LATIN AMERICAN REPUBLICS. THE SITE HAD ACCOMMODATIONS FOR 1,200 INTERNEES AND A STAFF OF 84; HOWEVER, THE POPULATION AVERAGED CLOSER TO 600 INTERNEES PER MONTH. DETAINEES HAD ACCESS TO LARGE ATHLETIC FIELDS AND A GARDEN OUTSIDE THE FENCE.

THE INS CEASED OPERATION OF THE FACILITY IN SEPTEMBER 1944 AND THE REMAINING INTERNEES WERE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER CAMPS, PAROLED, OR REPATRIATED. AFTER THE ENEMY ALIEN DETENTION STATION CLOSED THE SITE BECAME A GERMAN, AND LATER A JAPANESE ENEMY PRISONER OF WAR CAMP.

TEXAS IN WORLD WAR II – 2013

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

military topics World War II
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Karnes County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and varied history. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa. Evidence of their presence can still be found through archaeological sites and artifacts. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries began to settle in the region, establishing several missions. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Karnes County began to see significant development.

In the mid-1800s, Karnes County became an important center for the cattle industry. Large ranches began to emerge, and the county became a hub for cattle drives. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the local economy, offering new opportunities for trade and transportation. With the influx of settlers, new towns were established, including the county seat of Karnes City.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Karnes County experienced several oil booms, which brought prosperity and economic growth to the area. The discovery of oil in nearby fields, such as the Pettus and Helena fields, attracted numerous oil companies and workers. This led to a surge in population and a construction boom in the county, with new buildings and businesses appearing throughout the area.

In recent decades, Karnes County has continued to be influenced by its strong ties to agriculture and oil. The agricultural sector remains a vital part of the local economy, with ranching and farming playing a significant role. Oil and gas production, while fluctuating, still contribute to the county's economy. Today, Karnes County is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, attracting visitors to explore its historical sites, parks, and thriving small communities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Karnes County, Texas.

  • 1824 - Karnes County is established as a municipality in Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
  • 1830s - Settlers from the United States begin arriving in the area, including the town of Helena.
  • 1834 - Karnes County is officially organized under the Republic of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Karnes County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1854 - The county's seat of government is moved from Helena to Karnes City.
  • 1861-1865 - Karnes County residents participate in the American Civil War, with some serving in Confederate forces.
  • 1885 - The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway is completed, providing easier transportation access to the county.
  • 1902 - The discovery of oil in Karnes County leads to economic growth and development in the area.
  • 1920s-1930s - The county experiences periods of prosperity and decline due to changes in the oil industry.
  • 1940 - U.S. Army establishes the Karnes City Army Air Field, which later becomes the site of the Karnes County Airport.
  • 1954 - Hurricane Alice causes significant damage to Karnes County.
  • 1970s-1990s - The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
  • 2010 - The Eagle Ford Shale boom brings renewed economic growth to Karnes County.