Hereford in Deaf Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Prisoner of War Camp Chapel
(3.5 MI.S)
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
1. Prisoner of War Marker
Inscription.
Prisoner of War Camp Chapel. (3.5 MI.S). A prisoner of war camp, used primarily for Italian soldiers, was in operation near this site during World War II. Known as the Hereford Military Reservation and Reception Center, it was first used in 1943 for prisoners captured in an invasion of North Africa. Many of the approximately 7000 Italian soldiers imprisoned here became friends with local residents and with American troops. Since the war, some have returned for visits and others have settled in the region. The camp chapel, constructed by the prisoners, is the only building remaining at the site.
A prisoner of war camp, used primarily for Italian soldiers, was in operation near this site during World War II. Known as the Hereford Military Reservation and Reception Center, it was first used in 1943 for prisoners captured in an invasion of North Africa. Many of the approximately 7000 Italian soldiers imprisoned here became friends with local residents and with American troops. Since the war, some have returned for visits and others have settled in the region. The camp chapel, constructed by the prisoners, is the only building remaining at the site.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4123.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1943.
Location. 34° 47.861′ N, 102° 25.381′ W. Marker is in Hereford, Texas, in Deaf Smith County. Marker is at the intersection of West 1st Street (U.S. 60) and County Road H, on the right when traveling west on West 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hereford TX 79045, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
2. Prisoner of War Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012
3. Prisoner of War Camp Chapel
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
