This Mississippi POW Camp Tour Will Chill You To The Bone
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
WWII may not have been fought directly on American soil, but it surely left its mark on the country – and that includes Mississippi. By the early 1940s, there were several POW camps in Mississippi. Though long gone, remnants of their presence can still be found, and this route will lead you straight to them.
The route is just over nine hours and leads you to actual camps as well as museums dedicated to them. If you need to, you can edit the map for yourself.
Camp McCain Training Center, 3152 James H. Biddy Rd, Grenada, MS 38901, USA
Located in Grenada County, Camp McCain was established in 1942 as a training post. Not long after, it became one of the nation’s first three POW camps designated for "anti-Nazis." A total of 7,700 German prisoners were housed at the camp during the war. While at Camp McCain, POWs were put to work in nearby cotton fields. The facility closed in 1944 and most of the land and buildings were sold. Today, it’s a National Guard training center. Though there’s not really much to see, an informative marker, which is about four miles south of Grenada on Hwy 51, depicts the property’s significance as an historic place in MS. Lake Grenada is an excellent stop to make nearby for some exploration.
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Another POW camp in Mississippi, since its establishment in 1917, Camp Shelby has served as a training site for various military branches. During WWII, it was the second-largest training base in the country (after Fort Benning, Georgia) and one of Mississippi’s most famous POW camps. Over the course of the war, 2,300 German soldiers were held at the camp, and it appears a few of them left their mark. Within the woods that surround Camp Shelby, you’ll find a giant swastika dug into the ground. It’s said that POWs planned to fill the 20’ x 20’ trench with gas and light it on fire in order to guide German bombers to Camp Shelby. Today, you can learn all about the camp’s history at Camp Shelby’s Armed Forces Museum.
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Pow Camp Recreation Area, Saucier, MS 39574, USA
Of all the POW camps in Mississippi, this one is a little different. Located in Saucier, as a POW-camp-turned-recreation area, this is a great addition to your trip. Aside from exploring what’s left of the former POW camp, you can have some outdoor fun since the recreation area includes a lake, hiking trail, and campground. Get more details on visiting the POW Recreation Area.
Camp Van Dorn World War II, 138 E Main St, Centreville, MS 39631, USA
Once a 42,000-acre training post, Camp Van Dorn is long gone. However, since it played such a critical role in preparing American troops for combat in WWII, a museum has been opened in its honor. Filled with interesting exhibits and artifacts, it provides plenty of information on the former base, which included a German POW camp in Mississippi. The Camp Van Dorn Museum is located on Centreville’s Main Street.
Clinton, MS, USA
Finish off your road trip with a visit to the former Camp Clinton, which once spanned 790 acres and contained 150 buildings. One of the most historic places in MS, the camp was one of Mississippi’s most notorious because it held the highest-ranking German officials. In total, there were "25 generals and several colonels, majors, and captains." And that was in addition to roughly 3,000 German and Italian POWs.
Just like other POW camps, Camp Clinton put prisoners to work. Several of the German soldiers were tasked with building the Mississippi River Basin Model, which is adjacent to the former camp in present-day Buddy Butts Park. The 200-acre model is the largest small-scale model in the world. It took nearly 20 years to complete! Surprisingly, after only six years in use, it was abandoned and left to deteriorate. Check out the video below for an aerial view of the area.
Just like other POW camps, Camp Clinton put prisoners to work. Several of the German soldiers were tasked with building the Mississippi River Basin Model, which is adjacent to the former camp in present-day Buddy Butts Park. The 200-acre model is the largest small-scale model in the world. It took nearly 20 years to complete! Surprisingly, after only six years in use, it was abandoned and left to deteriorate. Check out the video below for an aerial view of the area.
So, did you know about these POW camps in Mississippi? Have you ever visited any of these sites? Tell us in the comments section!
Looking for other war-related sites to explore? Check out the A.K. Shaifer House in Port Gibson.
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More to Explore
Best of Mississippi
What are some historical landmarks in Mississippi?
POW camps in Mississippi are just one sample of historical sites in Mississippi. Check out some of these historical landmarks in Mississippi:
- Emerald Mound Site: This Native American ancient site is located in Natchez. It is the second-biggest ceremonial mound in the nation and was built in stages, the first one being about 1200 AD. Visitors can see the site and learn all about the Mississippian tribe.
- Brices Crossroads National Battlefield Site: This site in Baldwyn was home to a brutal Civil War battle that took place on June 10, 1864. Today, you can tour the NPS-run site and its exhibits and artifacts within the visitor center.
Which are the best state parks in Mississippi?
Explore the Magnolia State’s outstanding scenery within some of the best parks in Mississippi:
- Lefleur’s Bluff State Park: There is much to do and see in this 305-acre park in Jackson. Golf, camp, or take a boat on the lake. You can also head out on the nature trail.
- Paul B. Johnson State Park: With a prime location on Geiger Lake, this 805-acre park is great for fun in the sun, from boating to fishing to swimming. There are also some nature trails to take in.
- Buccaneer State Park: Located in Waveland, this park is located along the Gulf of Mexico. So you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to activities. Explore the walking trail, play disc golf, or frolic in the wave pool, all on the same trip.
What are the oldest restaurants in Mississippi?
Historic places in MS aren't always necessarily landmarks. Grab something to eat at some of the oldest restaurants in Mississippi:
- The Hollywood Café: This café in Tunica Resorts has been feeding locals since 1969. Be sure to order the catfish platter or ribeye steak if you stop in.
- Mayflower Café: Dating back to 1935, this spot in Jackson has been a favorite for quite a while. Grab some crab bisque or seafood pasta.
- Walnut Hills Restaurant: Although this Vicksburg eatery did not open until when its home was constructed all the way back in 1880, the restaurant works hard to keep that time period alive. Order the fried chicken or Atlantic salmon.