Camp Endicott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Camp Endicott
|
|
Surviving Camp Endicott Quonset huts at the Seabee Museum
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Built | 1942 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000015 |
| Added to NRHP | October 19, 1978 |
Camp Endicott was a special place where the United States Navy's "Seabees" trained. Seabees are like soldier-builders! This camp was part of the Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Most of the camp is gone now, but some parts were saved. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This list helps protect important historical sites.
Contents
What Was Camp Endicott?
Camp Endicott was built in Davisville, Rhode Island in 1942. It was a huge training camp! More than 100,000 men, known as "Seabees," learned how to build things there. This was especially important during World War II. Later, during the Vietnam War, about 4,000 Seabees and 1,200 other workers were based at Davisville.
Who Was Mordecai T. Endicott?
The camp was named after Rear Admiral Mordecai T. Endicott. He was the first Civil Engineer Corps Officer to become the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks. This bureau was in charge of building and maintaining naval bases.
The Birthplace of the Quonset Hut
Camp Endicott was also where the famous Quonset hut was created. These buildings were shaped like half-cylinders. They were made in pieces, so they could be easily moved and put together anywhere.
How Quonset Huts Helped
Quonset huts were designed and built right at Davisville. Then, they were shipped all over the world. Because they were so easy to set up and move, Quonset huts became one of the most common buildings used globally.
Preserving Camp Endicott's History
The Camp Endicott Historical District was created to save some of these important structures. It also protected a part of the camp that was very important during World War II.
The Historical District Today
The historical district was about seven acres and once had 17 Quonset huts. When the area was set to be taken down, a few of the remaining huts were moved. They are now at the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park. This park is on the same land where the camp used to be.
Images for kids
-
Undated HABS photo of a Quonset hut on site
