Camp Michaux

About Camp Michaux

Deep in Michaux State Forest, Camp Michaux reveals layers of American history that most visitors never expect to find. This single site served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Depression, a secret WWII prisoner-of-war interrogation center, and later a church camp. Today, it offers free self-guided tours through these fascinating chapters.

The story begins in 1933 when the Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp S-51 here. Young men from across Pennsylvania built the infrastructure while working on forest conservation projects. The stone buildings they constructed still stand, testament to the CCC's lasting impact on America's public lands.

In 1942, the site transformed into one of the war's most closely guarded secrets: Pine Grove Furnace Interrogation Center, later known as P.O. Box 1142. Here, German prisoners - including scientists, U-boat commanders, and military officers - underwent sophisticated interrogation using psychological techniques rather than torture. Information gathered here significantly contributed to the Allied war effort.

After the war, the site became a church camp, adding another layer to its complex history. Today, the Michaux Forest Association preserves the remaining buildings and offers interpretive materials for self-guided exploration. Stone foundations, building remnants, and historical markers help visitors piece together the story.

For Pine Ridge campers, Camp Michaux provides a thought-provoking half-day excursion. The combination of CCC history, WWII secrets, and forest setting creates a unique educational experience unlike anything else in the region.

What to Expect

• WWII Interrogation Center: P.O. Box 1142 was a top-secret facility where German prisoners were questioned using psychological techniques. The intelligence gathered influenced the war's outcome.
• CCC Camp Heritage: The Civilian Conservation Corps built this camp in 1933, constructing stone buildings that remain today as monuments to Depression-era conservation work.
• Self-Guided Exploration: Interpretive signs and historical markers guide visitors through the site, explaining each chapter of the camp's remarkable history.
• Forest Setting: Surrounded by Michaux State Forest, the camp offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection on these significant historical events.