Nestled in the High Plains of southeastern Colorado, the Granada War Relocation Center, more commonly known as Amache, was the smallest of the ten War Relocation Authority concentration camps. The camp’s name derives from Ameohtse’e, the daughter of O’kenehe, a Cheyenne chief who was killed during the Sand Creek Massacre. To minimize postal confusion between Granada—the nearby town—and the Granada Relocation Center, the name Amache became more widely used.
Amache spanned 10,500 acres of semi-arid prairie between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. The climate was extreme—scorching summers brought frequent dust storms, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes, while frigid winters often blanketed the camp in snow.
The first incarcerees arrived in 1942, many of them from California’s Central Valley, Northern Coast, and Southwest Los Angeles. Many had agricultural experience, which they used to beautify the barren landscape by planting gardens, constructing decorative entryways around barracks, and lining pathways with cottonwood and Siberian elm trees to create much-needed shade.
Unlike many other camps, Amache was built on private land, rather than federal land, leading to tensions between the War Relocation Authority and local landowners. Much of the land was seized through condemnation, causing resentment among residents who had already struggled through the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.
These tensions escalated when the War Relocation Authority funded the construction of Amache High School, which was met with opposition from some local residents. Given that the town of Granada had seen little new development in decades, many resented the idea of federal funds being allocated toward a school exclusively for Japanese American students. While the high school was ultimately completed, plans for elementary and middle school buildings were abandoned due to continued local resistance.
One of the most distinct aspects of Amache was its proximity to the town of Granada, making it one of the few camps where incarcerees had limited access to outside businesses. Some Japanese Americans took advantage of the short walking distance to shop at local stores or visit soda fountains, a rare privilege compared to other War Relocation Authority camps.
Initially, anti-Japanese sentiment was strong, with some local businesses refusing to serve incarcerees. However, as business owners recognized the economic benefits of catering to a large customer base, attitudes began to shift. Edward Newman, a Granada merchant, rented a large building and stocked items specifically for incarcerees, including Japanese sake and specialty foods. He even hired incarcerees as store clerks and a nanny. By 1945, advertisements from Granada businesses filled the Amache High School yearbook, reflecting a change in community relations.
When the controversial loyalty questionnaire was distributed in 1943, Amache recorded the lowest number of incarcerees answering “no” to Question 28. After segregation hearings, 125 incarcerees were transferred to Tule Lake, while nearly 1,000 incarcerees from Tule Lake were sent to Amache. In total, only 35 Amache incarcerees were deported to Japan.
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act, officially designating Amache as a National Historic Site under the National Park Service.
While Amache is now a National Historic Site under the National Park Service, much of its ongoing care and preservation remains a community-driven effort, led by the Amache Preservation Society (A.P.S.). Founded in 1993 by Granada High School teacher John Hopper, A.P.S. is made up of student volunteers who are committed to maintaining the site, educating the public, and ensuring Amache’s history is not forgotten.
What began as a classroom history assignment quickly evolved into an organized movement to restore the long-neglected site. Though met with initial resistance from some local residents—many of whom worried about federal oversight and potential land-use restrictions—support for A.P.S. grew over time. By the early 2000s, community engagement had increased significantly, with hundreds of volunteers joining A.P.S. students to rehabilitate the Amache cemetery, plant trees, and improve the site’s landscape.
Beyond preservation, A.P.S. has also worked to expand public awareness of Amache’s history. The group runs a local museum in Granada, curating artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the camp. A.P.S. students have also had the opportunity to participate in archaeological digs, collaborate with historians, and even travel to Japan to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture while sharing Amache’s story internationally. The success of A.P.S. highlights the power of education and community partnerships in historical preservation.