Lethbridge Internment Camp

 (1914-1916) - A World War I Canadian internment camp established in 1914 at the fairgrounds in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Abandoned in 1916. Also known as Fort McNicol, after the fair grounds manager J.W. McNicol and by the nickname "The Chicken Coop" or "The Hen House".

History
A World War I Canadian internment camp established 30 Sep 1914 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada to house suspected enemy sympathizers. Initially commanded by Major E.B. Judson, Lethbridge 20th Battery, RCA, and garrisoned by 60 guards.

The Lethbridge camp was located at the fairgrounds and operated out of the poultry building. The number of internees reached a high of about 300 in mid-1915. Because of the nearby U.S. border and because many of the internees were local there was great incentive to attempt an escape. A large number of escape attempts were successful. A 1916 escape by 6 internees who tunneled out of the camp and who were never caught probably triggered the camp closure on 11 Nov 1916. The inmates were sent to other more secure camps.

Current Status
Two markers located at the Heritage Building on the Lethbridge Fairgrounds in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

See Also:
 * Canadian WWI Internment Camps

Sources:
 * Enemy Aliens, Prisoners of War: Canada's First World War Internment Operations, 1914-1920, Parks Canada, undated

Links:
 * Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund
 * Wikipedia - Ukrainian Canadian internment
 * Historica Canada - Internment
 * Parks Canada - Banff National Park