Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Camp Fannin Internment Camp
World War II P.O.W. Camp
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 13, 2012
1. Camp Fannin Internment Camp Marker
Camp Fannin was also the site of an internment camp, with the first prisoners of war (POWs) from Germany's Afrika Korps arriving in Oct. 1943. By early 1944, the military designated the site a POW base camp that administered a number of smaller branch camps in East Texas. As a result of a home front wartime manpower scarcity, upon the request of local representatives, the War Department allowed the use of POW labor in forestry and agriculture in East Texas. During its existence, the camp efficiently processed many thousands of POWs and held more than 1,000 at this location. After repatriating the POWs, the camp closed on May 10, 1946.
Texas in WW II
Property of the State of Texas
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14566.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 25.794′ N, 95° 11.746′ W. Marker was in Tyler, Texas, in Smith County. It was on U.S. 271 near Hillcrest Road (County Road 3177), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Tyler TX 75702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Camp Fannin (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 27, 2023
2. Missing Camp Fannin Internment Camp Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 13, 2012
3. Camp Fannin Internment Camp Marker (right), shares location with Camp Fannin Marker (center)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 13, 2012
4. Camp Fannin Internment Camp Marker, looking southwest along US 271
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 13, 2012
5. Camp Fannin Internment Camp Marker, as seen looking northeast along US 271
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,944 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on November 27, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on November 27, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
