It’s hard to believe that our country was in the midst of one of the deadliest wars over 70 years ago. The years between 1939 and 1945 forever made a mark on our country and impacted the shape and direction of every family involved. Although this was a war that involved many nations, we often forget to think about how it impacted us right here at home. Here’s a look at some rare photos taken in Southern California during WWII that will give you a closer look of what life looked like during the war across various parts of Southern California.
- A riveter pictured here in Burbank at the Lockheed aircraft plant.
wikimedia commons
- This photo taken in Los Angeles captures a crowd of Japanese-American evacuees boarding a train taking them to a war relocation center far away from their home. Such a tragic time in history.
wikimedia commons
- San Pedro in 1942. Here’s a photograph of a caravan of over 70 cars during the evacuation of Japanese-Americans who were being escorted to relocation centers.
Library of Congress
- 1942 in Arcadia. Japanese-American evacuees arriving from San Pedro who would later be housed in the Santa Anita Assembly Center.
wikimedia commons
- Outside San Diego Union Station in 1941. You can see the train from Los Angeles pulling into the station when this photo was captured.
wikimedia commons
- Camp Beale in 1943 during World War II. Although this photo was not captured in Southern California, the tank stationed behind the men was named after Orange County. Pictured here: Orange County Supervisor James A. Baker with the 13th Armored Division.
orange county archives
- 1942 in San Pedro. Japanese-American residents are being relocated by truck from their homes in the surrounding area.
Library of Congress
- Pershing Square in Los Angeles photographed in 1941 with a listening post and air raid lights.
wikimedia commons
- Small children in Los Angeles surrounded by piles of luggage as they wait to be evacuated to relocation camps during the war.
Public Domain/Russell Lee
- Los Angeles: June 9, 1945 during a parade welcoming a visiting General George S. Patton.
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What are your thoughts about these pictures? Do you have any stories that are close to home that you would like to share? If you are interested in seeing a vintage side of Southern California during a more lighthearted time, here is a vintage video of Southern California in 1950 that is a joy to see.
wikimedia commons
Library of Congress
orange county archives
Public Domain/Russell Lee
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