WWII Prisoner of War Camp
Listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places
A Brief Summary
- Camp Indianola was a $2 million project to house prisoners of war captured in the European Theater
- 194 buildings spaced out over roughly 250 acres
- Prisoners captured in North Africa, Italy, and mainland Europe, including many Germans
- Max capacity of three compounds = 3,000 prisoners (50 prisoners per barrack)
- 90 acres of Camp remnants are still visible today
| Summer 1943 | Construction of Prisoner of War Camp north of Indianola, NE commenced |
| Oct 15, 1943 | Camp Indianola officially activated |
| Nov 9, 1943 | First prisoners arrived; served as labor for local farmers and businesses |
| June 1944 | Converted from base to branch camp of Camp Atlanta |
| August 1944 | Base camp housing segregated non-commissioned officers Compound 3: non-Nazi NCOs Compound 2: Nazi NCOs Compound 1: all other enlistedmen |
| August 1945 | Period as base camp ends |
| Jan 16, 1946 | Camp Indianola officially deactivated |
Following closure of Camp Indianola, the Bureau of Reclamation utilized the camp site for offices and family housing for employees working on nearby river projects. The BOR vacated the property in the late 1950s, removing and repurposing most of the buildings. Local farmers and ranchers took over control of the land.
The 90 acres of Camp remnants is on privately owned land. The landowners are committed to preserving the historical integrity of the ground, and enjoy giving tours of the property. Please contact the Indianola Historical Society if you or a group is interested in a tour.