My dad tells me of the time when he was little (he was born in '36) and he and his dad would go to the POW camp and hire the German POWs for the day to help with work around the farm. They lived just outside of Dothan and they would go into town to sign them up for the day. Dad said that the POWs were hard workers and were generally nice to be around. Anyone know where I can find information on this camp or how to get in touch with any of these POWs or their surviving relatives? I would love to do research and learn more about this. Thanks for any help. Kyle
kbond, I don't know of a camp at Dothan, but there was a German /Italian camp down the road at Anniston/Al. It is on the old Ft. McClellen and is open to the public. I have some pics somewhere of the camp and cementery if you are interested. Ken Smith Marana,Az USA
Dothan is now the home of Fort Rucker, Alabama. I suspect their Public Affairs Officer could help you out with some history. In fact, in the distant past, I remember seeing a history of Fort Rucker which covered the WW2 era. Some basic info on the German and Italian POWs held there is at URL Encyclopedia of Alabama: World War II POW Camps in Alabama Good luck. Doc
kbond, There was, in fact, a German POW camp at Dothan, Alabama. It has now been destroyed, but it was located (based upon my father's recollection) at the intersection of Redmond Rd. and Flynn Rd., on the north side of town not far from the airport (which was called Napier Field, at the time). When my brother and I were children, we lived very close to this place and actually used to play around the camp. The last time that I saw this camp actually standing was around 1990. I just returned there again today, and there are just a few remnants of the foundation, but all of the buildings are now gone, and the area has grown over with trees. I hope this helps. Jack
The old POW camp is located at 1369 Headland Ave. The location at Redmond Rd and Flynn Rd was an old women's prison that was torn down. The POW camp has been renovated and turned an outlet and entertainment venue. Attached is a link to the article. Builder restoring WWII-era German POW camp in Dothan
List of Alabama POW Camps Major Base Camps: Aliceville, Fort McClellan, Opelika, Fort Rucker Satellite Branch Camps: Abbeville, Andalusia, Chatom, Clanton, Clio, Dothan, Elba, Evergreen, Foley, Geneva, Greenville, Huntsville, Jackson, Loxley, Luverne, Montgomery, Oneonta, Northington General Hospital [Tuscaloosa], Sibert, Troy World War II POW Camps in Alabama | Encyclopedia of Alabama TD
