Camp Doniphan, Oklahoma facts for kids
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Camp Doniphan was a special military base located right next to Fort Sill. This area is near Lawton in Comanche County, Oklahoma. It was opened during World War I to train soldiers, especially those learning to use artillery (large guns). The camp closed in 1918 and became part of Fort Sill.
History of Camp Doniphan
Camp Doniphan got its name from Alexander William Doniphan. He was a hero from the Mexican-American War. Doniphan led a group of volunteers from Missouri.
Thousands of soldiers trained at this camp. They came from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. After their basic training, they traveled to other camps. These included Camp Mills in New York and Camp Merritt in New Jersey. From there, they would travel by ship to France to join the war.
The camp was quite large, covering about 2,000 acres. It had 1,267 buildings. Most of these were tents where the soldiers lived.
Soldiers and Training
Camp Doniphan was home to the 35th Infantry Division. This division was made up of National Guard members. They came from Kansas and Missouri.
The camp also became part of the United States Army Field Artillery School. This school taught soldiers how to use artillery. Several artillery regiments trained here. These included the 128th, 129th, 130th, and 158th Field Artillery Regiments.
Famous Visitor: Harry S. Truman
A future United States president, Harry S. Truman, was stationed at Camp Doniphan. He was there from September 1917 to March 1918. Truman was in charge of the regimental canteen. This was like a small store for the soldiers. While at the camp, he met Edward Jacobson. They later became business partners.
