On Feb. 12, the Santa Cruz Valley Historical Society (SCVHS) board is hosting a talk and official unveiling of a historical marker that tells the story of Prisoner of War Camps in Southern Arizona during World War II, specifically Camp Continental in Sahuarita.
The day’s events will begin with a presentation by historian and author Steve Hoza at 11 a.m. in the Green Valley Library*. Hoza will share artifacts and findings from his work interviewing hundreds of former prisoners, guards, camp personnel, and Arizona residents who interacted with POW camps during WWII. A Phoenix native, Hoza has written extensively on the history of World War II in Arizona and has appeared in numerous television documentaries.
Following the speaker on Feb. 12, there will be an official unveiling of the Camp Continental historical marker at 1 p.m. at the Quail Creek-Veteran’s Municipal Park. The event is open to all members of the community.
Local Eagle Scout Travis Garcia, in partnership with the Town of Sahuarita, established the town’s first SCVHS Historical Marker to be placed at the Quail Creek-Veteran’s Municipal Park as a tribute to Camp Continental, a WWII POW Camp in Sahuarita.
About Camp Continental
When much of the nation’s male workforce was drafted into the armed forces during World War II labor shortages impacted many industries. Cotton farming in Southern Arizona was no exception. In October 1944, local farmers petitioned for the Army Prisoner of War Program to approve a branch POW camp to be established in the Continental-Sahuarita territory. Ultimately, 43.6% of the cotton planted in Pima County for the 1945-1946 season was harvested by Prisoner of War Labor.
The tribute at QC-Veteran’s Municipal Park recognizes the military service members, farm workers, landowners, community leaders, and also those who provided the labor necessary to keep the economy of this community productive and healthy through difficult years while the U.S. was at war.
Event Details
History All Around Us
Guest Speaker, Steve Hoza
Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Joyner - Green Valley Library*
601 North La Cañada Drive
Camp Continental Marker Unveiling
Feb. 12 from 1- 2 PM
Quail Creek - Veteran's Municipal Park
1905 N. Nogales Highway
*The Green Valley Library’s maximum capacity restricts attendance to 75 individuals so seats for Steve Hoza’s presentation are limited and available on a first come first served basis.
About SCVHS Speaker Series
History All Around Us is a monthly speaker series hosted by the Santa Cruz Valley Historical Society. Events are free to the public. This spring, other topics include Arizona Railroads, Buffalo Soldiers, UCHC, and more.