5/7/2009
Landmark information
- Location:
Merced County Fairgrounds, J St at 7th S, adjacent to parking lot at entrance to fairgrounds, Merced - Plaque:
Official State Plaque - Site:
Nothing Remains - Date First Visited:
1/11/1997 - Date Most Recently Visited:
5/7/2009 - GPS Coordinates:
N 37 17.482, W 120 29.102
About this landmark
Plaque text:
Merced Assembly Center
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.