GILA RIVER
| Official name: | Rivers Relocation Center | Location: | Pinal County, Arizona |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinates: | 33.07° N, 111.89° W | SIZE OF CAMP: | 17,000 acres |
| Opening date: | July 20, 1942 | Peak population: | 13,348 |
| Date of peak: | December 30, 1942 | Closing date: | November 10, 1945 |
Two camps on Indigenous land
Gila River consisted of two camps, Canal and Butte, on land of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. Federal officials proceeded with the project while the community’s elected council contested the proposed land agreement. Most Japanese Americans confined there came from California.
People worked in agriculture, schools, hospitals, and other camp services. Baseball became part of community life. Kenichi Zenimura organized a 32-team league and coached the high school team, the Gila River Eagles. Eleanor Roosevelt visited in April 1943. The camps closed in stages during autumn 1945, followed by the center’s final administrative shutdown in November.
Sources: Densho Encyclopedia
