When We Reached America It Was the Most Unusual Sight for Us

Did you know that there were German POWs all over the United States during WWII? It’s true — there was even a famous German literary movement called Die Gruppe 47 that started in the camps. I regret you have to click the link and go to YouTube to listen…

During World War II, approximately 425,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) were held in the United States. These POWs were housed in various camps across the country, often in rural areas. Conditions in the camps were generally humane, with POWs receiving food, shelter, and work opportunities. Many participated in agricultural labor, helping to alleviate labor shortages on American farms.

While in captivity, some German POWs engaged in cultural activities, leading to movements like Die Gruppe 47, which fostered literary and artistic expression among inmates. The presence of these POWs highlighted the complexities of wartime experiences, as they formed a unique part of American history, bridging cultural exchanges between captors and captives. Their stories reflect themes of resilience, adaptation, and the human spirit during tumultuous times.

Here’s a Wikipedia list of camps across the United States.