September 25-28, 2015
Dachau Concentration Camp was established on March 22, 1933, only a few weeks after Hitler had been appointed Reich Chancellor. It was the first 'regular concentration camp established by the Nazi government' and was used as the model for all future concentration camps. It stood for twelve years. Over 200,000 people from all over Europe were imprisoned both here and in auxiliary camps. Over 41,000 people were murdered in Dachau before U.S. troops liberated the survivors on April 29, 1945.
The camp was divided into two sections - the camp area containing 32 barracks and the crematoria area. The courtyard between the prison and central kitchen was used for the execution of prisoners, while an electric fence, ditch and wall with seven guard towers surrounded the camp. In 1942 the crematorium area was constructed.
The location is now used as a museum and memorial site.
Walking through the camp is a very eye opening experience. It reminded me of back in 2008 when some friends and I visited Auschwitz. It is something that stays with you.
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