Auschwitz I

[metaphorge]

DSCF0485, originally uploaded by metaphorge.

What's commonly known as "Auschwitz" is actually three separate concentration camps.

Auschwitz I was first established in 1940 and served as the administrative hub for the whole complex (and is the current site of the museum exhibits).

At any time, the camp held between 13,000 and 16,000 inmates; in 1942 the number reached 20,000. It was the site of the deaths of roughly 70,000 people, mostly Poles and Soviet prisoners of war.

There are more photos of Auschwitz I here; obviously, some of you may find them trigger-y.

Comments

[serynade.livejournal.com]

My uncle was one of the first American Soldiers into this camp when it was penetrated. He doesn't speak of it at all and he has a purple heart for his courage to pull out what survivors remained but he will never show anyone. Just from pictures, my heart went into my throat and tears started to well up. I've been to the Holocaust Museum in DC and that was bad enough. I admire you all for your guts to actually be there among the energy that I'm sure still resides in every inch.