Fort Clatsop Prison

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Fort Clatsop Prison was founded in 1902 and is located off the coast of northern Oregon. Initially built to house mental patients, it transformed into a regular prison in 1917. Up until the early years of World War II, it held a reputation of being a sought-after prison for those incarcerated across the country. Often prisoners were treated well and food standards were above average. The reason for this is credited to the warden at the time, Oscar “The Pope” Anderson, who had seen the mistreatment of prisoners at prior locations. When he was made warden of the prison, his primary objective was to keep a civil atmosphere and a humane treatment of inmates.

After the events of Pearl Harbor during World War II, Japanese POWs was held captive at Fort Clatsop Prison. The facility was commandeered by the military and warden was replaced by an army captain. During the next several years Fort Clatsop Prison earned the infamous nickname “Hell’s Island” and it gained a reputation as one of the worst World War II POW camps in the world. Overall, the treatment of Japanese soldiers was torture-like and many POWs died from malnutrition. After the war, the prison was closed down and has remained abandoned since.