Pennsylvania boasts a rich history, one that’s pretty fascinating to discover. Did you know, for example, that there are remnants of an old German POW camp in Pennsylvania that date back to long before World War II? Even better, if you’re up for a bit of walking or hiking, you can explore the remnants of buildings from the camp and learn more from historical markers along the way, too.
Hidden just a few miles from Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Camp Michaux boasts a long and storied history that dates back long before World War II.
Flickr/Brian Henderson
Finding the former German POW camp is fairly easy. Plug in these coordinates 40° 02’ 16"N -77° 20’ 27"W or 40.0379°N -77.3404°W into your GPS to find the parking lot, which sits near the camp’s entrance.
Wikimedia Commons/Jumpmaster1906
The area, where the remnants of the POW camp now sit, got its start as Bunker Hill Farm, a working farm. However, by the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp took over the land.
Flickr/Ted Van Pelt
During World War II, the area became the site of a top secret mission – to hold German and Japanese POWS and to secure information from them about the Axis’ plans against the Allies.
Flickr/Ted Van Pelt
Officially a Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp, Camp Michaux held more than 7,000 German and just over 150 Japanese prisoners of war.
Wikimedia Commons/Mark Lawson
The POW Interrogation Camp was generally just a stopover for the prisoners, who would later be transferred to other facilities within the United States.
Flickr/Brian Henderson
Today, history buffs and those who are just up for an adventure can follow a self-guided walking tour that leads to 37 historical markers and some fascinating ruins of the former POW camp.
Flickr/Brian Henderson
The walking trail will lead you to several historical ruins, including a guard tower. The area once held an assortment of buildings – a hospital, a mess hall, barracks, and a latrine – although many of those buildings are now rubble or have simply disappeared.
Flickr/Brian Henderson
Carve out at least a few hours for your walking tour, especially if you want to stop and read each of the historical markers.
Wikimedia Commons/Jumpmaster1906
Have you heard of this old German POW camp in Pennsylvania, or have you visited? Share your experience in the comments! Then check out these 12 moments in Pennsylvania history everyone born in Pennsylvania will remember.
Flickr/Brian Henderson
Wikimedia Commons/Jumpmaster1906
Flickr/Ted Van Pelt
Wikimedia Commons/Mark Lawson
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Address: 40° 02’ 16"N , 77° 20’ 27"WAddress: 40.0379°N , 77.3404°W
