The Manzanar internment camp was one of ten 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 government's response to fears of espionage after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life at Manzanar was challenging, with families living in cramped barracks and facing harsh weather conditions. Despite these difficulties, residents created a community, establishing schools, gardens, and cultural activities to maintain their heritage and support one another during their internment.