Kenedy in Karnes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

1. Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery Marker

Inscription. During World War II, the U.S. established three internment camps in Texas for alien civilians in the U.S. and Latin America, and one was located in Kenedy. The U.S. repatriated German, Japanese and Italian detainees in trade for American prisoners held overseas. The Kenedy Camp opened on April 21, 1942, and over the next 30 months it housed more than 3,500 internees. Five who died while confined in the camp are buried here. The site became a branch P.O.W. camp for Fort Sam Houston from 1944 until 1946. In 1976, the El Cibolo Chapter of the D.A.R. marked the gravesites.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005

Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13538.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1942.

Location. 28° 48.395′ N, 97° 49.834′ W. Marker is in Kenedy, Texas, in Karnes County. Marker is on County Highway 329, ¼ mile south of County Highway 330, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located on the west side of the county road in front of the very small cemetery (5 graves). It is 1/10 of mile southeast of the Loma Alta Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kenedy TX 78119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7

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miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Kenedy (approx. 1½ miles away); Butler Family Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away); First Baptist Church of Karnes City (approx. 6.8 miles away); Karnes City (approx. 6.8 miles away); Karnes County (approx. 6.9 miles away); 7.7 cm German Feldkanone 16 (built 1918) (approx. 6.9 miles away); Karnes County Courthouse (approx. 6.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kenedy.

Also see . . . Kenedy Alien Detention Camp.

At the outset of World War II, when conditions were bleak for the Allies, the United States undertook to protect its national interests by entering into agreement with Latin-American countries to arrest and intern for the duration of the war all resident aliens or citizens of German, Japanese, or Italian descent who could possibly aid the Axis war effort. Alien families would be sent to an internment camp at Crystal City, Texas, and single males would be sent to the internment camp at Kenedy. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on February 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

2. The Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker

The view of the Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

3. The view of the Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker from the street

The reverse view of the Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

4. The reverse view of the Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery and Marker

One of the gravestone in the cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 17, 2022

5. One of the gravestone in the cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 18, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.