HOW IT STARTED
As the nation entered World War I in 1917, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, commander of the U.S. Army, wanted a basic training camp in Columbia.
Because of the area’s moderate climate and well-drained soil, MacArthur figured few training days would be lost to having troops stuck in mud or digging out of snowdrifts.
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City and local business leaders came up with a $50,000 bond issue to buy 1,200 acres of land and deed it to the Army.
The post initially was known as the 6th National Cantonment and later as Camp Jackson — named for President Andrew Jackson, a South Carolina native.
The entire area of the fort in its current configuration was incorporated into Columbia in 1968, more than doubling the city’s size.
WORLD WAR II
In 1939, Fort Jackson became an infantry training center, and its role was significantly expanded. Four firing ranges were constructed, and 100 miles of road were paved.
Nine Army divisions totaling 500,000 soldiers trained at Fort Jackson.
The post’s public affairs office is named in honor of famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who died in the Pacific while covering the 77th Infantry Division, which trained at Fort Jackson.
GROWTH, FUTURE
In the 1990s, the post added a number of Army schools to expand its mission beyond basic training. Those include the Army Chaplain Center and School, the college-campus-like Soldier Support Institute and the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment.
In the next few years, the Chaplain School’s mission will expand to train chaplains in all branches of the armed forces.
Also, the Army plans to consolidate its drill sergeant schools at Fort Jackson.
PUBLIC ACCESS
The Fort Jackson Museum was established in 1972 with an initial collection of only 20 artifacts. Today, the collection has grown to 2,600 pieces of military weapons, uniforms, vehicles and artillery from World War I to the present. It’s generally open Monday through Friday, but closed Saturday, Sunday and all federal holidays.
The post’s 14-mile section of the Palmetto Trail is open to bikers and hikers. It is a relatively flat, winding trail that borders the fort, mostly along Leesburg Road.
The public is invited to ceremonies for the Army’s newest soldiers, held most Fridays at Hilton Field. They begin at 9 a.m. in the spring and summer, 10 a.m. in fall and winter. The graduation ceremonies are subject to change, so check the Fort Jackson Web site (www.jackson.army.mil) before heading to the post.
Palmetto Falls Water Park is open to the public Tuesday through Friday during the summer, but check seasonally for changes. (803) 751-3381
Compiled by Chuck Crumbo and Noelle Phillips
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