German POWs in the US

[andigger]

Just an interesting aside, and a fact I just had to share.

At the outbreak of hostilities with the US, the German Merchant Seaman at harbor in this country were rounded up as POWs and sent to Hot Springs, NC. The area is a quaint little mountian town and the POWs actually had a 'good' time, many came back after the war to visit friends they had made in the village.

The only reason I know of the place is that it is near the French Broad river which is a great kayaking adventure, and they have turned the old POW area into a great camp site.

..... I am not sure if the German POW camp location on the French Broad river was a subtle hint of irony.