At the end of November, 1941, the first transport of Jews made their way into the fortress town of Terezin. Numbering 342 men, this group known as the Aufbaukommando was responsible for preparing the camp for the thousands of prisoners soon to follow. Since they had volunteered, the Nazis had granted the men a guarantee of protection (although they’d later learn the worthless value of a Nazi promise). The laborers set to work repairing and arranging the 11 barracks buildings, military kitchens, and other locations that would be of use for Terezin’s new purpose as a mass prison. At this point in time the town still supported a settlement of roughly 3,000 civilians, and for a time the Jews and the general population co-existed.

Required armband worn by Jews of Terezin

However, by June of 1942 the Nazis had demanded the eviction of all these original inhabitants. Aware that eliminating an entire group of people would raise the eyebrows of the rest of the world, the Third Reich had altered their plans for Theresienstadt’s place in the Final Solution. In its newest function, Theresienstadt would serve to mask Nazi genocidal activities by containing all notable Jewish personages, including decorated WWI veterans from the Reich, intellectuals, artists, and entertainers, as well as Jews over the age of 65 (who would likely die soon anyway). The Nazis would then publicize Theresienstadt as the city which Hitler had graciously “given to the Jews,” hoping to avert any suspicion of the true motives behind their underhanded doings.

The Small Fortress was also an integral part of the new Theresienstadt plan, serving as a base for the Gestapo and a prison for offenders from the Large Fortress. Numerous executions were also held here, for offenses as slight as sending a letter to as dangerous as attempting escape. The Little Fortress was notorious for its cruel tortures and unbearable living conditions. Of prisoners sent there for punishment, few ever returned.