History & Culture

Granada War Relocation Center

Officially named the Granada Relocation Center by the War Relocation Authority, incarcerees began referring to the site as Amache, after its postal designation. Amache was the smallest incarceration site by population. While built to accommodate up to 8,000 people, Amache housed 7,318 Japanese Americans at its peak in 1943. It was the 10th largest population center in Colorado at the time. During its three years of operation, 10,331 people passed through Amache.

Land acquisition

Unlike the other WRA sites, which were primarily built on land already managed by the federal government, Amache was built on seized private land. The XY and Koen ranches were condemned after the Dust Bowl and aquired through eminent domain at an artificially low price. The area was chosen by the government for its location away from major cities and military installations, proximity to a rail line, and agricultural potential.