Topaz

Topaz (officially Central Utah Relocation Center) was located in the barren Sevier Desert of west-central Utah. At its peak, it held 8,130 people and briefly became the fifth-largest city in Utah.

Named after Topaz Mountain located nearby, the camp primarily housed Japanese Americans from the San Francisco Bay Area. It operated from September 1942 to October 1945.

Topaz became infamous for its relentless dust storms. The alkaline desert soil turned into fine powder that infiltrated every aspect of daily life—seeping into barracks, food, clothing, and lungs. Residents called it the "Jewel of the Desert" with bitter irony.

Winters brought freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, while summers were scorching hot. The remote location and harsh environment made Topaz one of the most challenging camps to endure. Despite this, residents created schools, a hospital, agricultural projects, and extensive cultural programming.