Beneath Heavy Pines in World War II Louisiana: The Japanese American Internment Experience at Camp Livingston

On December 7, 1941, thousands of Japanese Americans were arrested and put into the enemy alien internment system, including at Camp Livingston in central Louisiana. This manuscript is the first to focus on the camp, exploring its layout, operations, and the daily life and experiences of the internees through the experiences and linkages to and through two families, the Miyamotos and Koharas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

On December 7, 1941, a significant event occurred that altered the lives of thousands of Japanese Americans, who were suddenly deemed enemies in the eyes of the United States government. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, these individuals were swiftly arrested and placed into the enemy alien internment system. Despite the growing interest in studying internment, the task of gathering information about the confinement sites and understanding the experiences of the men held within has remained challenging.

Camp Livingston, renowned for its role in the Louisiana Maneuvers, possesses a darker and less widely known history. From 1942 to 1943, over 1,000 men of Japanese ancestry were confined in this internment camp located in the pine forests of central Louisiana. The authors approach the history of Camp Livingston through the experiences and connections of two families, the Miyamotos and Koharas, who serve as the central figures in this saga. By weaving together a narrative that combines biography and critical analysis, the authors aim to shed light on a forgotten chapter of American history.

This manuscript stands as a pioneering effort in exploring Camp Livingston in depth, encompassing its layout, operations, and the daily lives and hardships endured by the internees. It provides a comprehensive account of this lesser-known enemy alien internment camp, offering valuable insights into a period of American history that has often been overlooked. Through the lens of the Miyamotos and Koharas, the authors hope to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities and consequences of internment during World War II.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666923360