The Train to Crystal City is a non-fiction book written by Jan Jarboe Russell and published in 2015. The book tells the story of a little-known internment camp in Crystal City, Texas during World War II, where thousands of people of German, Japanese, and Italian descent were forcibly relocated and held for years.
The book follows the experiences of several families who were interned at Crystal City, including children who were born in the United States and held captive with their parents. The families were often separated, with men and boys sent to one section of the camp and women and girls sent to another.
The book also explores the political and social context of the internment, including the role of the FBI in identifying and arresting potential "enemies" of the United States. It also delves into the controversy surrounding the treatment of Japanese Americans during the war and the lingering effects of internment on individuals and families.
The Train to Crystal City has been praised for its detailed research and engaging storytelling. It sheds light on a little-known aspect of American history and raises important questions about civil liberties and the treatment of immigrants during times of war.