This is an ugly little piece of our nation's history that everyone should know, remember, learn…read moreabout, etc. When I was growing up I learned about these internment camps, but unfortunately, a lot of folks didn't. It's hit or miss nationwide as to whether it is taught or not. It's not just kids that aren't learning about it, but I have met a lot of adults of all ages that didn't know this happened. What I didn't know until recently was that there were camps as far east as Arkansas. When I found this out and I knew we'd be passing through close by, I just had to make a detour...then I found this museum in addition to a few other things in the area. It is so very much worth a detour. Yes, it is in the middle of what may be considered nowhere...but it allows you to really put your feet in the shoes of the Japanese Americans who were interned here/there. And yes, the museum is small...but it packs a large punch! It's hard for us to realize the fear and decisions made at that since we didn't live in it...and it's easy to pass judgment when most of us didn't live during those times. We have come a long way and times have changed...and I certainly hope this never happens again to anyone. But for history to not repeat itself, we must learn about it and remember it. It all started when Pres Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942. At first, they asked to move voluntarily, but within the next six months, around 122,000 people (including children) were forced to move to assembly centers by the military. Then they were moved further to fenced, isolated, and guarded areas known as "relocation centers". All lost something...liberties, most lost homes, property, and businesses as well. In the beginning, some tried to join the military to help fight but were denied due to being of Japanese descent. Later when the US needed more men for the military, they turned to the internment camps. They were told they had to serve (be drafted) or be considered a draft dodger and go to jail...so they served, after all...most tried to join to begin with. These men fought and became one of the most decorated units. For years many years after the camps closed, many people sought compensation for the things, property, etc. they lost. After all, Public Proclamation No. 4 only gave a 48-hour notice to gather things, sell things, or whatever. And under Pres Franklin D. Roosevelt, Congress passed Public Law 503, which made violation of Executive Order 9066 a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $5,000 fine...can you imagine the fear? Therefore, they had no time to waste and lost a lot. On February 19, 1976, Pres Gerald Ford signed a proclamation formally terminating Executive Order 9066 and apologizing for the internment. In 1980, Pres Jimmy Carter opened an investigation to determine whether the decision to put Japanese-Americans into internment camps was justified and a commission was appointed to investigate the camps. The commission's report was titled "Personal Justice Denied", and found little evidence of Japanese disloyalty. However, it wasn't until 1988, that Pres Ronald Reagan issued a public apology on behalf of the government and authorized the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 that offered reparations for former Japanese American internees or their descendants. Public Law 100-383 acknowledged the injustice of incarceration and apologized for it. This Public Law also provided the partial restitution of a $20,000 cash payment to each person who was incarcerated. A few medals have been presented here and there by presidents since the authorization of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was passed. So many years have passed overall and on that note, it wasn't until April 16, 2013 that this museum opened its doors...this is kind of sad, but happy it exists. This museum is located in the renovated historic McGehee Railroad Depot. Fitting since those interned passed through here...and the tracks outside are still in use today. There is free parking outside and the entrance fee is $5 per person (cash only). In addition, donations are welcome to help them keep this history alive. There are also restrooms inside and a small gift shop type area that is cash only. I can't begin to tell you how much I recommend this museum. It's a lot of reading for sure! Although I knew of the history of the camps, I didn't know what to expect when I went in, but what I know is...I came out in tears (pack a box of tissue).

The National Geographic Channel came here and made an episode of Diggers here. They found some old…read morecoins here including a relic coin that was only used locally at the time. It is a Mississippi historic land mark and is part of history around here. As I understand it, share croppers worked all week locally and then came here to "party" sort to speak. They just remodeled the old gas station here and made it look so nice a lawyer or business man moved into part of it.

It's not very big so don't plan an entire day here but it's definitely a cool place to visit…read more Especially when you press the button to play Charley Patton's songs as you walk around the property and just imagine what life here was like before. Check out the Dockery Farms website for background info before you come!

Neat place! Has a rich history, both as an Indian mound and in more recent history - read it! They…read morerent it out for weddings, parties, etc. Glad the family decided to restore this gem.

This landmark is hard for visitors to find as the surrounding concrete slab and chain link fence…read moremakes it look like something industrial, perhaps a gas main. People have been known to drive past multiple times. So, watch for the church and then look to the left (south) for the chain link rectangle. That's the monument. If I hadn't been with a local, I'd have missed the opportunity to connect with the fabled "Man in Black." By the way, if you're standing here, walk across the church driveway to the old one story red brick and white wood building to the right (north). That's the old Kingsland post office and the site of a popular photo of Johnny Cash sitting on its steps. Walk another block north to the new post office and in the lobby area is a glass wall display of Johnny Cash first day covers and old news clippings on Johnny's 1976 visit to his birthplace. Johnny Cash's actual birthplace is about three miles west near Crossroads Church and Cemetary. Hopefully someone can place a monument and some wayfinding signs for the actual birthplace. If you need directions to anything Johnny Cash in Kingsland, ask "Pee-nut" at the gas station.

This is an extremely important site, as American citizens were forcibly relocated here, just after…read morethe Pearl Harbor attack of early December 1941 (which subsequently drew the U.S. into World War II). It's peaceful here, with a small cemetery. This is a good place for quiet reflection over a picnic. The Delta Heritage Trail State Park bicycle trail runs through the eastern edge of the property. The site of this former detainment center is actually located near the hamlet of Rohwer, Arkansas. From Arkansas Highway 1, turn west into Vogel Loop and drive across the bicycle trail (former railroad tracks). note: awaiting corrected location information to be updated by Yelp

Located at the back of the old Rison fairgrounds, the Pioneer Village is a collection of historic…read more19th Century buildings. Buildings include a cottage, a doctor's home, a general store, a church, a cabin, barn and several out buildings. The village is open to the public during the Rison Homesteading Festival and by appointment at other times. A hoop greenhouse and raised beds with local vegetables is located near the street intersection. The greenhouse uses an ingenious weight and pully system to lower and raise the bottom panels for ventilation. Hopefully, a volunteer cadre will take over blowing leaves and repainting the buildings. A Pioneer Village brochure and guide map would also be nice. Pioneer Village and its surrounding grounds are available to host other events like rendevous, races and concerts. Four large buildings are on site including one with a good sized stage. Overflow parking is available across the street by the public ball fields. The entire grounds are fenced and gated and may be secured at night. Worth a drive by.

This is a great stop! We learned so much about the area and the fort that stood here. The park…read moreranger gave us a lot of information and we watched the 20 minute video to get even more information. Then, we went out the back and walked part of the trail. It's an easy walk and if we'd had more time would have done more of it. We were already there 2.5 hours so if you want to do the whole thing then give yourself an extra hour (especially if you're a slower walker). Also, please note the gift shop is cash only at this time.

If you're in the area, this site is worth a detour. It almost feels like an oasis of sorts. The…read morestaff are friendly, informative, and nice.

Great History of the Local area. Great knowledgeable workers with history of the plantation. This…read morehome is in the middle of great agriculture and great views of the levee that protects the home from the Mississippi River.

This place was a wonderful discovery in on way driving to Shreveport. It is a restoration of a…read morehouse located in a cotton plantation. We got an incredible tour with a great guide (the same in charge of the office) who explained us the history, life an legacy of this place. The entrance is only $5 per person and includes the guided tour. The visit was totally worthwhile. 100% recommended!!