McGehee: Discover History and Places of Remembrance

McGehee is a destination for anyone who wants to discover history not only through dates, but also through distinctive buildings, exhibitions, and places of remembrance. At the center is the history of the Japanese American relocation during World War II. In addition, there are historic buildings from the early 20th century and places that bring together different forms of remembrance. Those looking for a holiday apartment in McGehee can therefore plan their trip around cultural highlights and choose between a museum visit, architecture, and a walk through a historic site.

Exhibition and Museum in the Former Railway Eating House

The former Railway Eating House is home to the World War II Japanese American Internment Museum. Its exhibition, “Life Interrupted – Against Their Will,” explores the history of the nearby Rohwer and Jerome relocation centers during the 1940s. The exhibition thus offers a tangible introduction to a chapter of American history connected in McGehee with specific places and the life stories of Japanese American people.

For families with different interests, this museum visit can serve as a shared starting point: While the exhibition provides historical context, other stops in town add further perspectives on McGehee’s past. The McGehee City Jail was built in 1908 and has three cells with metal doors. It therefore provides a tangible example of the town’s history. Another notable building is the former McGehee Post Office, a 1937 building in the Colonial Revival style that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architecture and Remembrance in the Town

The Missouri-Pacific Depot is also one of McGehee’s distinctive historic buildings. It was built in 1910, combines Mediterranean architectural style with Craftsman elements, and has likewise been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The different original purposes of these buildings—the post office, depot, and jail—offer several ways to explore the town’s history without reducing McGehee to a single era.

A special form of remembrance is McGehee’s Japanese Water Garden. It is dedicated to the Japanese American people who were relocated to Rohwer and Jerome during World War II. The site complements the museum exhibition with a landscaped memorial. Travelers who enjoy alternating between informative exhibitions and quieter moments can include this stop as a separate focus in their plans.

Rohwer and Local History

At the former site of the Rohwer relocation center, eight information panels and five audio kiosks line a designated walking route. This combination of a path, information panels, and audio elements makes the history tangible at its original setting. The nearby cemetery of the Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center also has information panels along the route and audio recordings featuring the voice of actor George Takei.

McGehee therefore offers various ways to engage with history: an exhibition in the museum, historic architecture in town, a dedicated garden, and marked sites on the former Rohwer grounds. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on the buildings and exhibitions in McGehee or on the places of remembrance around Rohwer.

For the overall travel overview: Desha County.