World War I

Camp Jackson

Columbia, South Carolina

Camp Jackson was established in July 1917 as the training camp for the new 81st “Wildcat” Infantry Division of the National Army. The first inducted men arrived in September 1917; the largest numbers coming from North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and at least eight other states. From spring to summer of 1918 it acted as a field artillery replacement depot and training center before becoming a demobilization camp in December 1918.

The camp was retained after the first World War and was renamed Fort Jackson in 1940. Today it is the primary basic combat training center for the Army, responsible for the training of nearly half of soldiers.

World War I

  • "Section of Infantry Barracks, Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C."
    “Section of Infantry Barracks, Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C.”
  • "Morning Exercise at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C."
    “Morning Exercise at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C.”
  • “Flag Raising at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C.”
  • "Scene in Company Street, Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C."
    “Scene in Company Street, Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C.”

Resources

Camp Jackson – United States Army Center of Military History

The Birth of Camp Jackson (digitized book with photographs)

Fort Jackson – United States Army