Merced in Merced County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Merced Assembly Center

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

1. Merced Assembly Center Marker

Inscription. This was one of 15 temporary detention camps established during World War II to incarcerate persons of Japanese ancestry, a majority of whom were American citizens, without specific charges or trial. From May to September 1942, 4669 residents of Northern California were detained until permanent relocation camps were built. May the injustices and humiliation suffered here as a result of hysteria, racism and economic exploitation never recur.

Erected 1982 by State Department of Parks and Recreation/Japanese American Citizens League, Livingston-Merced Chapter. (Marker Number 934.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1942.

Location. 37° 17.48′ N, 120° 29.104′ W. Marker is in Merced, California, in Merced County. Marker can be reached from Martin Luther King Jr. Way. This marker is located at the entrance to the Merced County Fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced CA 95340, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Merced County Veterans Memorial (approx. one mile

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away); Merced County Courthouse (approx. one mile away); Castle Memorial Parade Ground (approx. 7 miles away); A Comrade’s Tribute to Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle A.A.F. (approx. 7 miles away); Castle Air Force Base (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Montpelier-Oakdale Railroad (approx. 13.6 miles away).

More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 934, one of twelve California Assembly Center markers with the same number.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Additional California Temporary Assembly Centers

Also see . . . Japanese Internment. It was without serious incident that one of the largest migrations in history took place in early spring of 1942. Under military supervision, the U.S. Government evacuated more than 110,000 people of Japanese descent and placed them into 10 wartime enclaves. More than two thirds of those interned under the executive order were U.S. citizens, and none had ever demonstrated any disloyalty. (Submitted on September 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

2. Merced Assembly Center Marker

Entrance to the Merced County Fairground image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2011

3. Entrance to the Merced County Fairground

The Merced Assembly Center Marker is to the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,086 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on January 7, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.