The original garrison town of Terezin was converted into a "model" ghetto with the arrival of the first Jewish prisoners on November 24, 1941. Since the Germans needed a transit concentration camp for the Protectorate Jews before their transfer to the extermination camps, "location" was of utmost importance. Terezin suited their purpose perfectly.
First of all Terezin was a fort and could be easily controlled. It had offices, lots of barracks for housing a great number of prisoners, storage places and just across the river set the Kleine Festung which made for a great Gestapo prison. It was guarded by SS men who were readily available if called upon. Railway connections were of great importance as well. The rail station (Bohusovice) was located nearby. (2.5 kilomtres)
All that was needed now was for the SS to order the Prague Jewish leaders to locate a team of experts to convert Terezin.
