Pine Grove Furnace POW Interrogation Camp
Cooke Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
During WWII, the US War Dept. operated this secret facility a mile north along Michaux Rd., one of three such sites in the US. Military intelligence relating to topics such as weaponry development and Axis operations was gained from thousands of German and Japanese prisoners. Originally a farm serving the iron industry, 1785-1919, the site was converted to Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-51-PA, 1933-42. After the war it became church Camp Michaux, 1946-72.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Deep in the Michaux forest, on a site that once served an 18th-century iron furnace and later a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the U.S. War Department ran a secret World War II interrogation center — one of only three in the country. Behind its fences, military intelligence officers questioned thousands of German and Japanese prisoners, drawing out details about enemy weapons and operations. After the war the quiet clearing found a gentler use as a church camp.
Why it matters
Hidden facilities like this quietly fed the Allied intelligence effort, showing how even remote corners of rural America were drawn into the global machinery of World War II.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Appalachian Trail Museum1.4 mi away
- National Apple Museum7.6 mi away
- Ye Olde Sulphur Spa Historical Society11.2 mi away
- Beyond the Battle Museum13.5 mi away · 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Adams County Historical Society13.5 mi away · 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Thompson House - Lee's HQ13.7 mi away
Food & drink
- CJ's Takeout & Late Nite Bites14.0 mi away · 150 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Tacos Monarca14.1 mi away · 11 West Railroad Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Lincoln Diner14.1 mi away · 32 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Tania's Mexican Restaurant14.1 mi away
- Mason Dixon Distillery14.1 mi away · 331 East Water Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Hong Kong14.1 mi away
Places to stay
- The Inn at Herr Ridge B&B12.9 mi away · 900 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Glatfelter Lodge13.8 mi away · PA
- Hampton Gettysburg14.0 mi away · 1280 York Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Americas Best Value Inn14.1 mi away · 983 York Road, Gettysburg, PA
- The Union Hotel14.1 mi away · 27 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn14.1 mi away · 1061 York Road, Gettysburg, PA
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Related events
- · World War II
Themes & tags
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