Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War

Nestled in the inviting city of Fredericksburg, TX, the Inn on Barons Creek provides comfortable lodging for travelers looking to experience the many adventures in the Texas Hill Country. The National Museum of the Pacific War stands as a beacon of history and education in Fredericksburg, TX, and is dedicated to preserving the memory and lessons of the Pacific Theater of World War II. Keep reading to learn more about this local gem.

5 Highlights of the National Museum of the Pacific War

The Admiral Nimitz Gallery

This section of the National Museum Of The Pacific War showcases the legacy of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native, through interactive exhibits and artifacts. During World War II, he served as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas. In 1944, he was also awarded the new rank of Fleet Admiral. A $4.5 million renovation in 2020 expanded the gallery by 50%, modernized it with state-of-the-art interactives, and doubled the number of displayed artifacts.

Pacific Combat Zone

The Pacific Combat Zone portion of the museum features exhibits, live reenactments, and demonstrations showcasing the realities of battle in the Pacific islands. During presentations that include military equipment from the island-hopping campaign, you can experience up close the replicated terrain, trenches, and fortified caves used by Japanese forces. U.S. forces used the island-hopping strategy to move closer to Japan by gaining military bases on Pacific islands.

Japanese Garden of Peace

The Japanese Garden of Peace was a gift from Japan in the 1970s, symbolizing friendship between the two countries. It was completed at the National Museum of the Pacific War in 1976 and honors the mutual respect between Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo and American Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. After WWII, Nimitz contributed to the Mikasa memorial located in Yokosuka, Japan. In return, Japan helped create this garden, featuring a replica of Togo’s study and elements embodying the Pacific Ocean and traditional Japanese garden values.

Children On The Homefront: Growing Up With War

Experience World War II on the U.S. home front from the perspective of children. This exhibit at the National Museum of the Pacific War provides a unique glimpse into the experiences of growing up during this challenging time. The exhibit includes three settings – a city, a rural area, and an internment camp. View the interactive displays and virtual guides to gain insight into the resilience and sacrifices made by children during the war.

Pearl Harbor Exhibit

Explore this exhibit as it vividly portrays the events of the Pearl Harbor attack and its profound impact on the nation and shaping history. Despite its official neutrality, America’s foreign aid and other policies drew the attention of the Axis powers in World War II. This led up to Japan’s fateful attack on Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base on Oahu Island, Hawaii, which thrust the U.S. into the war in 1941.