One of my favorite things about history is there's always something new to learn, such as learning there were WW2 POW camps in areas you've driven through for years. I had a great experience visiting Camp Hearne and walking through the museum section and trails. I gained alot of knowledge and appreciation for this time period and history.
If you plan on walking the trials be advised of previous weather conditions as it may limit your experience. When I walked them it was very muddy in spots, pools of water on the trails, and broken trees blocking the paths. I pushed through regardless but even for me there was a couple spots that conditions caused a challenge.
I would definitely come back whenever I visit the area and recommend anyone interested in history to...
Read moreI've driven by Camp Hearne many times as I go back and forth from Austin but I've never been able to stop until recently. I am so glad I stopped!
This place is a piece of WW2 history right here in Texas. Camp Hearne was a POW camp with mainly German officers, but also soldiers from Japan and Italy. The guide gave us a condensed tour and did a great job giving an overview and sharing some stories. Fascinating history!
The barracks building and guard tower are replicas, but there are still some building foundations and some bricks building associated with the water tower that remain.
There is no entry fee, but you can make a donation or purchase some items from...
Read moreCamp Hearne was well worth the stop. This was a POW camp for German soldiers mostly captured in Africa during WW2 (although we heard some interest in stories of if he POW's). The site is now a museum district with one restored barracks serving as an artifact museum (with many fascinating exhibits), a newly built replica guard tower and grounds with the foundations of many important buildings. Our docent was excellent telling many fascinating tales of the camp. I can't describe all we saw and heard --- I highly encourage you to drop by and see and hear for yourselves. I had no idea that this happened in WW2. There were some 80+ such camps in...
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