Manzanar was one of ten internment camps established in the United States during World War II to detain Japanese Americans. Located in California's Owens Valley, it operated from 1942 to 1945, housing over 10,000 individuals. The camp was surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers, reflecting the wartime fears and prejudices against Japanese Americans. Today, Manzanar is a National Historic Site, preserving the history of the internment experience. The site includes a visitor center, exhibits, and reconstructed barracks, serving as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during the war and promoting awareness of civil rights issues.