Block 14, Manzanar

Painting of Block 18 by F.M. Kumano, 1944

F.M. Kumano, Takahashi Collection, Manzanar Museum Collection

Quick Facts

Location:

first stop on Manzanar tour road; northwest of Manzanar Visitor Center

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Block 14 is one of 36 blocks at Manzanar where Japanese Americans lived. Each block had 14 barracks building divided into “apartments.” Barracks 1 and 8 (reconstructed) feature exhibits on the challenges and changes people faced here. Barracks 1 tells stories of early days in the camp. This building also includes a Block Manager’s Office. Barracks 8 features “improved” rooms as well as an in-depth exploration of the “loyalty questionnaire” and its impacts. The “Dust to Diplomas” exhibit in the north end of Barracks 8 highlights the development and evolution of schools in Manzanar.

The concrete foundations in the center of the block were the men’s latrine, laundry room, and ironing room. When visiting the reconstructed women’s latrine, imagine enduring your own private moments in public spaces. The ironing room slab has imprints of small footsteps. The ledge of rocks and concrete are remnants of a wading pool. When visiting, please do not step on the fragile concrete.

A red truck is parked next to the restored World War II-era mess hall, which today houses exhibits on the logistics and politics of food in Manzanar.

Imagine what daily life was like for someone like you.

“There is not much there anymore in the way of structures . . . but a lot of memories remain.”
Miho Sumi Shiroishi