Santa Anita During World War II Marker

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Arcadia in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Santa Anita During World War II

By Denise Boose, October 24, 2009

1. Santa Anita During World War II Marker

Inscription. Early in 1942 the US government designated Santa Anita Park for special usage during the war years.

Pursuant to Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from March 30, 1942 until October 27, 1942 the facility was used as an assembly and processing center for approximately 20,000 Japanese Americans prior to their displacement to interment camps in other areas of the country.

From 1942 until 1945, the government utilized the property as an Army Base – Camp Santa Anita. It was the largest Army ordinance training center on the West Coast and more than 100,000 soldiers were trained there.

Racing resumed at Santa Anita on May 15, 1945, just after “VE” Day.

This plaque is placed at Santa Anita in remembrance of the events of that period in history by its dedication on this, the 15th day of May 2001.

Erected 2001.

Location. 34° 8.319′ N, 118° 2.778′ W. Marker is in Arcadia, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on West Huntington Drive. Click for map. Marker is located near the grandstand. Marker is at or near this postal address: 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91007, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles

By Denise Boose, October 24, 2009

2. Santa Anita During World War II Marker

of this marker, as the crow flies. Seabiscuit (about 500 feet away, in a direct line); El Monte (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Frederick G. Exner Memorial Windmill (approx. 4.4 miles away); San Gabriel Mission (approx. 4.5 miles away); The Trails Restaurant (approx. 5.4 miles away); Pacific Asia Museum (approx. 5.5 miles away); Michelson Pier on Mount Wilson (approx. 5.8 miles away); Benjamin Davis Wilson (approx. 5.9 miles away).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Additional California temporary detention sights.

Also see . . . Camp Santa Anita. Located at the world-famous Santa Anita Racetrack, the Santa Anita Assembly Center was the longest occupied assembly center, used for 215 days, from March 27 to October 27. It was also the largest assembly center, housing a total of 19,348 persons from Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties, with a maximum at one time of 18,719. Those interned lived in hastily constructed barracks and in existing stables, with 8,500 in converted horse stalls. (Submitted on February 18, 2012.)

By Denise Boose, October 24, 2009

3. Santa Anita During World War II Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on February 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 302 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 17, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.