Fort Stanton in Lincoln County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

CCC Camp/German Internment Camp

CCC Camp/German Interment Camp Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, July 12, 2015

1. CCC Camp/German Interment Camp Marker

Inscription. As part of the ‘New Deal’ envisioned by President Roosevelt, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was built in 1934 across the Rio Bravo from the fort. The Fort Stanton CCC employed civilians in soil conservation, forestry and women’s programs as well as providing labor at Fort Stanton and the surrounding area. The camp closed in 1940.

In 1941, the camp was reoccupied, but this time by the 410 man crew of the German Luxury Liner S. S. Columbus. The ship had been scuttled by its crew to avoid capture by the British and the ‘Distressed Seamen’ were rescued by the US Navy. Upon their arrival, the sailors began improving the camp by constructing several new barracks, support facilities and the Olympic size pool. The crew was far removed from the horrors of World War II, but were never considered Prisoners of War, only interned alien enemies. By the summer of 1945, they had all been sent home. A few Japanese-American detainees occupied the camp for several months, but by October 1945, the camp had closed.

Erected 2014 by Fort Stanton Historic Site.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1945.

Location. 33°

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29.709′ N, 105° 31.684′ W. Marker is in Fort Stanton, New Mexico, in Lincoln County. Marker is on Black Jack Pershing Road near State Road 220, on the right when traveling west. Marker is one of many informative markers on the grounds of Fort Stanton Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Stanton NM 88323, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Commanding Officer's Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Officer's Quarters (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Officer's Quarters (about 400 feet away); Commissary Warehouse (about 400 feet away); Chapel (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Officer’s Quarters (about 500 feet away); Nurse's Quarters (about 500 feet away); L.G. Murphy Sutler Store (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Stanton.

More about this marker. The marker overlooks the site described which is approximately 500 yards to the north.

Regarding CCC Camp/German Internment Camp. The CCC facility was Camp SCS-6-N. For more historical detail read INTERNED, Internment of the SS Columbus Crew at Fort Stanton, New Mexico 1941-1945, by James J. McBride

Entrance to Recreation Hall built by German internees in 1944 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, July 12, 2015

2. Entrance to Recreation Hall built by German internees in 1944

Erbaut 1944 = Built 1944.

CCC Camp/German Interment Camp in the distance. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, July 12, 2015

3. CCC Camp/German Interment Camp in the distance.

Remains of German Interment Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, July 12, 2015

4. Remains of German Interment Camp

Remains of swimming pool built by German internees in 1942 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, July 12, 2015

5. Remains of swimming pool built by German internees in 1942

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 775 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 12, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.