Aliceville in Pickens County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Aliceville Prisoner of War Camp
1942 - 1945
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
1. Aliceville Prisoner of War Camp Marker
During World War II, the United States Army interned 6,000 German prisoners of war here on a 400 acre site, employing 1,000 American military and civilian personnel. Major Karl H. Shriver commanded Corps of Engineers forces which began construction in August, 1942. Activated Dec. 12, 1942. First prisoners, from Gen. Erwin Rommel's Africa Korps, arrived by Frisco Railroad June 2, 1943. Camp first commanded by Col. F. A. Prince, later by Col. R. S. Grier. 400 frame buildings: barracks, hospital, bakeries, chapels, greenhouse, theaters; water and sewer systems, fire department, amphitheater, sports fields, gardens. Barbed wire compound with guard towers. 2 prisoners killed attempting to escape. Deactivated Sept. 30, 1945.Erected 1989 by Aliceville Rotary Club and the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1943.
Location. 33° 7.032′ N, 88° 10.409′ W. Marker is in Aliceville
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. George Downer Field (approx. 1.1 miles away); Alabama, Tennessee & Northern Railroad Depot (approx. 1.4 miles away); Aliceville First Baptist Church (approx. 1˝ miles away); R. J. Kirksey High School (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Aliceville First Baptist Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); In Memory of James McCrory (approx. 5˝ miles away); Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church (approx. 8.8 miles away); The U.S. Snagboat Montgomery (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aliceville.
Also see . . . Aliceville Museum website about Prisoner of War Camp. (Submitted on February 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
2. Only remains from original camp.
The only structure remaining of the original camp is a single brick fireplace and chimney, part of the enlisted men's club for U.S. troops. The two small stone monuments were moved here from the old camp entrance.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
3. View south on Alabama Route 17 from Memorial Drive.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
4. Former location of part of the camp, now Sue Stabler Park.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
5. Closeup of stone entrance monument showing Corps of Engineers emblem.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
6. Aliceville Prisoner of War Camp Museum sign.
Museum is located at intersection of Memorial Parkway (SR-17) and Broad Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 189 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
