The Ogden Defense Depot,
designated as a POW camp on October 11, 1942, was one of the first
ten camps in the country. An estimated 5,000 Italian prisoners were
sent there, in addition to approximately 4,000 German prisoners.
The prisoners worked in local warehouses, farms, and orchards. After
Italy surrendered in 1943, Italian Service Units were created which
allowed the Italians greater freedom than the Germans, including
visits to Downtown Ogden. The camp closed during the summer of 1946
after the 10,000 prisoners were shipped home.
This exhibit showcases
photographs from the Defense Depot Ogden collection housed in the
Stewart Library Special Collections. The photographs are highlighted
by oral history quotations from people who had interaction with
the Italian and German POWs.
Compound
Work
Guards
ISU
Parties
Prisoner
Life