The bombing of Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, shocked all America, and was equally explosive and tragic for the more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans unfortunate enough to be living in California during the precipitous entry of America into World War II. That the majority of these people were American citizens - sober, industrious, loyal - had little bearing on events when the ensuing fear and panic forced the American government into its unprecedented decision to move these people away from the Pacific Coast and into concentration camps, where they could not possibly be on hand to aid and comfort an invading enemy. First came the initial camps, to hold this vast population, while more permanent camps of city size could be constructed throughout the Western states. These huge “assembly centers,” set up at race tracks and fairgrounds, were built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the astonishingly short period of twenty-eight days. Enough crude barracks and halls, to house and feed 100,000 internees, were located at the race tracks of Santa Anita Tanforan, and various fairgrounds throughout California. Enclosed with barbed wire, operated and militarily guarded by the army, they were prisons in every sense of the word. -- From the book jacket.

Preface -- Introduction -- Shelter, food, and services -- Daily life in the Center -- Departure for the interior.