Camp Gordon Johnston In Florida Held German POWs In World War II

There are some pretty fascinating historical facts about Florida that perhaps many residents are unaware of. For example, during World War II, nearly 400,000 prisoners of war from both Germany and Italy were sent to the United States to POW camps. Around 10,000 German prisoners were sent to Florida, in two major camps: Camp Blanding and Camp Gordon Johnston. Camp Gordon Johnston, which was built in September 1941, was only in use until 1946. However, there is a fascinating history behind the camp, as well as a museum open to honor the soldiers of war that people can still visit today.

Built on the northern Gulf Coast around Carrabelle was Camp Gordon Johnston — a training camp and POW camp located within Florida.

Beginning in March 1944, around 2,500 German prisoners were confined to the camp, as well as the three branch camps.

Because of the provisions provided in the 1920 Geneva Convention, captives within Camp Gordon Johnston worked in a variety of positions throughout the camp and had much of the same food, clothing, and housing as the troops inside.

German prisoners were to work in the fields starting around 8 a.m. until after 3 p.m. and they were allegedly paid 80 cents a day in coupons, which were able to be traded within the camp for cigarettes and beer.

Camp Gordon Johnston was the camp that trained amphibious soldiers in WWII for battle, which meant that they specialized in certain watercraft and water tactics.

Today, visitors can check out the Camp Gordon Johnston museum which is located in Carabelle and learn more about the quarter of a million men trained here, as well as the prisoners of war.

With more than 5,000-square-feet of artifacts, memorabilia, vehicles, and photos, you can understand a bit about what the camp was like back in the 1940s.

Come visit the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum and see for yourself the impact that World War II had on the state of Florida.

Did you know about the history behind Camp Gordon Johnston? Sound off in the comments section! Or to learn more about the museum and how you can visit, check out the Facebook Page.

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1873 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL 32322, USA

Most People In Florida Don’t Know About Our Old German POW Camp

Marisa Roman

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