The State

Editorial: At 100, Fort Jackson remains vital to U.S. Army, Columbia and S.C.

Submitted by bhilferty on Sun, 06/19/2016 - 20:14
Rappelling at Fort Jackson
It’s frightful to think what living in the Midlands would be like today without Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest basic training facility. The base creates jobs, sends soldiers to volunteer in our community, brings positive publicity, attracts thousands of visitors annually, and beckons military retirees to move here after their active duty days are over.

On Saturday, Fort Jackson will officially launch its yearlong centennial celebration with the annual Army Birthday Ball at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The rich history of Fort Jackson

Submitted by bhilferty on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 17:15
AP President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 visited troops, including some of those called up for one year’s compulsory training stationed at Fort Jackson.
Fort Jackson was created in 1917 as Camp Jackson as the U.S. entered World War I. The site was announced by Douglas MacArthur, who was then a major but became one of the most famous generals in American history. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce raised $50,000 to purchase former Hampton Estate. Residents donated 1,192 acres. And the federal government purchased 19,700 acres and leased thousands more for the facility. Read more of Jeff Wilkinson's article at The State newspaper's website http://www.thestate.com/news/special-reports/state-125/