Camp George Meade facts for kids

African American soldiers in formation at Camp George Meade, Pennsylvania

Camp George G. Meade was a temporary army camp. It was located near Middletown, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Volunteers (volunteer soldiers from the U.S. Army) set it up during the Spanish–American War.

History of Camp Meade

Camp Meade started on August 24, 1898. Soon after, a large group of about 22,000 soldiers moved in. This group was called the Second Army Corps. They were led by Major General William M. Graham.

Why the Camp Was Built

The soldiers moved to Camp Meade from another place called Camp Alger. They moved to try and escape a serious sickness. This sickness was called typhoid fever.

President's Visit and Camp Conditions

President William McKinley visited Camp Meade on August 27, 1898. Later, in November, people checked the camp. They found it was big and well-planned. The camp had plenty of good water from wells. Pipes brought water to all the soldier groups.

The hospitals were large and had good equipment. Soldiers could also take baths easily. The camp was very clean and well-run. Most people had good things to say about it.

Camp Closure

In November 1898, Camp Meade closed down. Soldiers who were not yet released from service moved to camps in the South. By October 11, 64 soldiers had died at the camp. Camp Meade was completely empty by November 17, 1898. Some soldiers moved to Camp Fornance in Columbia, South Carolina. Others went to Camp Marion in Summerville, South Carolina.

Reopening for a Short Time

Part of the camp opened again in April 1899. This was so many volunteer units could be officially released from service. This happened until June 1899. Also, new volunteer regiments gathered there from July to November 1899. These soldiers were preparing for the Philippine–American War. They used the Mt. Gretna rifle range for training.

Who Was Camp Meade Named After?

The camp was named after George Gordon Meade. He lived from 1815 to 1872. Meade was an officer in the United States Army for his whole career. He was a very famous general during the American Civil War.

Where Was Camp Meade Located?

The camp was south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was just west of Middletown. Today, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Route 76) goes through the old camp site. State Highway 283 also cuts through it. An extension from Highway 283 goes to the Harrisburg International Airport.

The camp site is north of the airport. It is between Middletown and Highspire. The land here goes up from the Susquehanna River. Much of the northern part of the camp is still like the countryside. But homes now cover many areas south of State Highway 283. Rosedale Road goes across the site. The Penn State University Harrisburg Campus is on the south side. Some of the old camp sites from 1898 are on the campus. You can find a historical marker about the camp. It is on the west side of Pennsylvania Highway 441 (Union Street). It's near the Middletown Area High School.

What Was Camp Conewago?

The 203rd Regiment of New York volunteer soldiers moved to a special camp. This was a quarantine camp at Conewago, Pennsylvania. They moved there on October 2, 1898. They had many cases of typhoid fever at Camp Meade.

Conewago is a small town southeast of Middletown. The soldiers stayed there until November 12, 1898. Then they left for Camp Wetherill in Greenville, South Carolina. This camp is sometimes called Camp Conewago. It was near the Conewago train station.