Denver National Archive

Homesteaders inspect their new barracks housing.

From 1942 to 1945, Minidoka was a War Relocation Authority (WRA) facility, where nearly 13,000 Nikkei (Japanese-American citizens and legal resident aliens) from Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska were incarcerated.

Following World War II, the camp’s structures—especially the 120-foot-long barracks—were mostly given away for use by area homesteaders and non-profit organizations. For ease of transport, the new owners cut the barrack buildings into segments, to eventually become sheds, homes, workshops, and barns throughout the Magic Valley. To date, few are known to exist in their original 120-foot by 20-foot configuration, however many partials still exist today.

Consistent with its 2006 general management plan, the NPS seeks to document the whereabouts of original barracks. Eventually working with willing barracks owners we hope to return up to twelve original structures to Minidoka National Historic Site to better interpret and educate visitors about the internment experience and local history.

The NPS is seeking information about surviving Minidoka barracks and related structures and furnishings. You may contact us at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Hagerman, at 208-933- 4100, or e-mail: e-mail us.

As the structures were adapted, original distinguishing barrack features may no longer be evident. Here are some things to watch for:

-      Barracks will always measure 20’ in at least one direction.

-      Large rectangular vents at the top of the wall the end walls of the barrack.

-      The outside corners of the building will have been beveled slightly to prevent ripping of the tar paper.

-      Inside the barrack, knee braces extend from the ceiling to the wall, usually on both sides of windows.