Gallery: Internment captured on film
While there, Adams photographed residents of Japanese ancestry -- many of whom were American citizens --interned at the camp. He donated more than 200 photos to the Library of Congress in 1965, and in a letter, he explained, "The purpose of my work was to show how these people, suffering under a great injustice, and loss of property, businesses and professions, had overcome the sense of defeat and despair by building for themselves a vital community in an arid (but magnificent) environment... All in all, I think this Manzanar Collection is an important historical document, and I trust it can be put to good use."
In donating the collection, Adams "placed no restrictions on its use," according to the library.
One of 10 camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II, it is now Manzanar National Historic Site in Independence, California.
Here are five of the photos, all dated 1943. Many more can be seen on the library's website. See our story about internment here.
In donating the collection, Adams "placed no restrictions on its use," according to the library.
One of 10 camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II, it is now Manzanar National Historic Site in Independence, California.
Here are five of the photos, all dated 1943. Many more can be seen on the library's website. See our story about internment here.
- Residents leave a Buddhist service in winter. Image: Ansel Adams, via Library of Congress.
Students attend a science lecture. Image: Ansel Adams, via Library of Congress.
Manzanar Relocation Center street scene in the spring. Image: Ansel Adams, via Library of Congress.
Farm workers at Manzanar Relocation Center. Image: Ansel Adams, via Library of Congress.
As some are relocated, others gather to say goodbye. Image: Ansel Adams, via Library of Congress.
