World War I

Camp Devens

Ayer, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts

Camp Devens was established in 1917 to house and train 10,000 soldiers. By the war’s end over 100,000 men from the 12th & 76th Divisions had passed through the camp.

In 1918, it became a separation center for over 150,000 soldiers returning from France.

In 1931, Camp Devens became the permanent Army post of Fort Devens, and it remained active until the base was shut down in 1996.

Postcards

  • First Arrivals at Camp Devens
    “First Arrivals at Camp. Camp Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts”
  • "Waiting Call for Assembly, Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass." World War I
    “Waiting Call for Assembly, Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass.” World War I
  • "Barracks, 304th Infantry, Camp Devens, Mass." World War I
    “Barracks, 304th Infantry, Camp Devens, Mass.” World War I
  • "Street View Showing Depot Brigade Headquarters, Camp Devens, Mass." World War
    “Street View Showing Depot Brigade Headquarters, Camp Devens, Mass.” World War I

Photos

Further Reading & Resources

Fort Devens Museum

Training at Camp Devens – By The U.S. Army Center of Military History

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