Sometimes when we go out driving,
we end up at locations that make us gloriously surprised. Today was one of those days. But before we explore this city, have you ever
heard of a passport cancellation book? Most
states have them like the national parks or pastport in Alabama or whiskey
trail in Tennessee or bourbon trail in Kentucky. What these unique books do is help you
explore cities and states that you normally would never go to. So, the state I am working on right now is
Arkansas. I hope we enjoy this state together.
I took a trip down to McGehee,
Arkansas thinking I would just get my passport cancellation book stamped. What I found out was astounding!! Did you know back in 1942 President Roosevelt
signed an Executive Order where 110,000 Japanese Americans that lived here in
the U.S.A. were incarcerated after the surprise attack on America by the
Japanese? Did you know that 16,000 of
those 110,000 Japanese Americans were sent to Arkansas??? You did not know that did you!! Neither did I so its alight. Right here in Arkansas concentration camps
were built like in the city of Jerome.
The relocation center was located in Chicot and Drew Counties which is
about 18 miles south of McGehee and 120 miles southeast of Little Rock. After the center closed in 1944 it was
converted into a Prisoner of War Camp for Germans. More than 23,000 captured soldiers were
distributed throughout 30 POW camps in Arkansas. You remember me telling you about Jonesboro
Arkansas in my previous post?? Well, I found
out that if you go to the golf course near Caraway and Matthews there are still
stones where the POW houses were. A history lesson from me is quite hilarious
since I was never a big fan of history while in school. But as one grows older, the need to find out
about our history becomes stronger.
So if you happen to go to McGehee,
Arkansas stop by the Missouri Pacific Railway Van Noy Eating House at 100 South
Railroad Street which now houses the World War II Japanese American Internment
Museum, be sure to allow yourself about 30 minutes to an hour, anyway, stop and
watch the video they have about the area.
And the best part of it all, talk to the lovely woman at the front
desk. She will tell you about the
history and believe me she has some amazing story about herself that she will
tell. Her history is not mine to tell unfortunately. But she will keep you amused and amazed by
her story.
So, do I consider this place a
great day trip? Absolutely!!! Do you not want to know about the history of
our country? There is an area to eat a
meal so pack a picnic or stop at the Subway or Sonic whichever makes your tummy
happiest and enjoy the area of McGehee Arkansas.
