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All the United States Arizona Scottsdale Great Papago Escape Tunnel

Great Papago Escape Tunnel

The exit of the largest prisoner-of-war escape attempt on American soil during World War II.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Added By
Tom Polakis
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World War II Prisoner of War Escape Tunnel Exit   tpolakis / Atlas Obscura User
timeline photo of area   wittc2 / Atlas Obscura User
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During World War II, 25 German prisoners of war escaped from an American facility during an event known as the Great Papago Escape. The prisoners dug a tunnel from Camp Papago Park to a canal that leads to the Salt River. They built a raft but discovered upon reaching the river that it was nearly devoid of water. They fled to the surrounding desert, some of them making it within miles of the Mexican border. All of them were caught within a month of their escape.

The exit of the tunnel is memorialized today with a marker that's largely ignored by the many bicyclists and joggers who use the path.

Related Tags

World War Ii Military History Tunnels

Know Before You Go

There isn't really an address for the unimposing monument in the dirt next to the canal. It is indicated on Google Maps, at this address. Access the canal where Oak Street dead ends then walk two-blocks north along the wide path.

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Added By

tpolakis

Edited By

Edward Denny, wittc2

  • Edward Denny
  • wittc2

Published

August 17, 2023

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Sources
  • https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/2015/12/17/wwii-pows-escape-papago-park-arizona-military-history/77174834/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Papago_Escape
Great Papago Escape Tunnel
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85257
United States
33.474533, -111.939404

Nearby Places

Hole-in-the-Rock

Phoenix, Arizona

miles away

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miles away

Governor Hunt's Pyramid Tomb

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scottsdale

Scottsdale

Arizona

Places 4

Nearby Places

Hole-in-the-Rock

Phoenix, Arizona

miles away

Arizona Falls

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miles away

Governor Hunt's Pyramid Tomb

Phoenix, Arizona

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scottsdale

Scottsdale

Arizona

Places 4

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