To the courageous,
During World War II, 400,000 German Prisoners of War were interred in the United States. Many of the POWs were confined in Kansas where they worked on farms and other prospects. Typically, the Kansas POWs were housed small camps of 100 or less. Some of these camps were located in the communities of El Dorado, Hutchinson, Cawker City, Hays, and Topeka, Ottawa.
Three larger camps were located in Kansas, near Salina (Camp Phillips), at Fort Riley, and just outside Concordia, Kansas. Construction of Camp Concordia began in February 1943 and the POW camp was turned over to the US Army on May 1, 1943. At its peak Camp Concordia 4,027 Prisoners, 880 soldiers and 179 civilian Employees.
Camp Concordia had 304 buildings including a 177 bed hospital, fire department, warehouses, cold storage, and officers club, and barracks, mess halls & administrative buildings for both the German POWs and American soldiers. The camp cost $1,808,860, running $40,000 over budget. Not bad for a construction that took only 90 days.
All of the prisoners at Camp Concordia were members of the German Army. Most were captured in Africa, and the first POWs came from Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Only the enlisted POWs worked, most of them on farms, but some worked on the railroad or in the ice plant. The POWS had their own band and newspaper.
Camp Concordia officially closed on November 8, 1945. Many of the buildings were torn down and others were moved. Some are still serving as homes in Concordia. Today POW Camp Concordia still has 5 original buildings on 4 original foundations. As buildings were meant to be temporary, it is not common for POW sites across the US to have any structures at all. The only structures remaining at the original location are Guard Post 20, a warehouse which currently houses the Museum, some stone walls, the officers club, a few foundations, the water tower which once supported a 100,000-gallon water tank and a two-story stone guard tower that has been reconstructed.
The Museum contains many interesting displays and artifacts with incredible stories unique from other POW Camps across the nation. The Cloud County Historical Society Museum houses additional artifacts in their collection as well.
To visit the Camp Concordia museum, please call ahead to make arrangements as the museum is volunteer run and does not open on a regular basis. To schedule a tour, call Cloud County Tourism at (785) 243-4303.
Directions to the Camp: Drive north of Concordia on US 81 for two miles. Turn east on Union Road (also known as Fort Kearney Road). Continue driving east for one mile where you will find the stone guard tower on the north side of the road. The museum is located up the driveway just past the guard tower. Guard House 20 is a short distance in the field farther east.
POW Camp Concordia is closed over the colder months as there is no heat at the camp. They kick off each season May 4, at the Victory Day Celebration which is held annually and conclude in November.
Interactive Map of Existing Buildings
Scan the QR code for an interactive map of POW Camp Concordia building locations or click here.
Opening Hours & Admission
Tours of POW Camp Concordia are by appointment only and coordinated through Cloud County Tourism. It is open May 4th. – October 31st. Please call Cloud County Tourism at 785-243-4303 to schedule a tour. As the Camp operates entirely on volunteers, there are not regularly open hours and despite hours displayed on Google, it is not open 24 hrs. Though you can drive by the Stone Guard Tower anytime, a scheduled tour of the Museum is the best experience. Cloud County Tourism schedules tours on a regular basis during opening season. If you know you’re heading this way, give us a call 1-2 days in advance. Often, we are able to get same day tours as well, so don’t let that last minute idea stop you from reaching out!
The Camp closes during the cold weather months, as there is no heat in the building, November – May. If weather permits and our tour guide is available, we may be able to set up an appointment to see the camp during those months. However, we have you covered in the off-season as well. The Cloud County Historical Society Museum has great additional displays and artifacts to view when Camp tours are not available. The Cloud County Historical Society Museum is open Tuesday thru Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 8-2 p.m. located at 635 Broadway St. in Concordia.
Admission: Suggested Donation $5.00
Victory Day Celebration
POW Camp Concordia will partner with Cloud County Tourism to host a Victory Day Celebration in honor of Victory in Europe (VE) Day which occurred May 8th, 1945. That is the official day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms during World War II.
Victory Day Celebration is the opening day for tours each year. During the day, free tours will be given of the POW Camp Concordia Museum, visitors are able to view exhibits, vehicles, and WWII memorabilia. Special speakers and WWII Reenactors provide both entertainment and educational experiences. This year, in addition to the day’s events, at 6pm at the Brown Grand Theatre, the 1st Infantry Division Band will perform. All events are free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated as the museum is run fully by volunteers.
Amphibious Jeep Restoration
RESTORATION: In Progress
“The Seep” Jeep was sent to Montana on Labor Day 2021.
The POW Camp Concordia Preservation Society is currently restoring this WWII Amphibious Jeep. Production of the seep began in March 1941. After finding the seep didn’t perform as well as expected in the field, and unpopular with soldiers, production was halted in March 1943. Around 12,700 were produced. It is one of around fifteen known vehicles of its kind left in existence. The project is expected to take approximately five years, as the project will require the Jeep to be completely restored.
To learn more or donate, contact Cloud County Tourism at 785-243-4303.