Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


Freestone Past & Present
By J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS Special to The News

Mexia Prisoner of War Camp


Many today don’t remember the German Prisoner of War Camp built between Mexia and Tehuacana 
on then US 84 during WII. It was built to accommodate some of the thousands of General Rommel’s 
elite Afrika Corps who were captured in the Middle East by British and US Forces. This probably the 
best thing that ever happened to these German soldiers, who received possibly the best care they 
ever seen before. 
 
During the German soldiers stay here they very inventive and made their life more bearable, many 
very talented and their work remained here for many years after the war. It not unusual to see 
them doing farm work locally as many from area left for the cities and defense work. They were 
allowed to hire out and were paid by the employer. I don’t remember seeing any armed guard’s 
with them; I don’t remember any escaping or trying.  
 
The US military stationed here were from all area of our nation, after the war many chose to remain 
here and make this their home and married in area. During WWII friend S.D. McLeod and I home on 
a Navy leave, there not much night or social life. We were invited into the US Military Non-
Commissioned Officers Club and treated royally. If memory serves me correctly this formerly a pre-
war Mexia honky tonk named “The Old Mill” or such and had a fake Dutch Windmill on the front. 
Their hospitality still greatly appreciated. 
 
After WWII these accommodations given to the State of Texas who used them for the Mexia State 
School. For many years this probably the largest employer in the area, some who worked here 
came from Waco and other areas. Some years ago it scheduled to be shut down by the State but 
saved by Governor Ann Richards whom we will always be obligated. 
 
Numerous times after the War former German prisoners returned to visit here, friendships were 
formed between former guards and prisoners that still exist. Somewhere in my collections I have a 
tape of a meeting sponsored by Tom Chatham with some of the former guard’s and others. Most of 
the former prisoner of war camps have faded away and nothing to remember them, thankfully this 
one still active and alive. 
 
Today few of the original buildings left having been replaced by more modern accommodations.