Camp Hughes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Hughes |
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Trenches at Camp Hughes built for training soldiers for battle in World War One
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| Location | Manitoba, Canada |
| Nearest city | North Cypress – Langford |
| Established | 1909 (used until 1934) |
| Founder | Government of Canada |
| Designated | 2011 |
Camp Hughes was a special place in Manitoba, Canada. It was a big training camp for the Canadian military. Soldiers learned important skills there from 1909 to 1934. Later, it was used as a communications station until 1991. Today, Camp Hughes is a National Historic Site of Canada. It's famous for having real World War I trenches. These trenches were built for training soldiers for battle. It's one of the few places left in the world with these old trenches.
Contents
The Story of Camp Hughes
How it Started
In 1909, a military training camp opened. It was first called "Camp Sewell." It was located near the town of Carberry in Manitoba. At first, it was a city made of tents. It covered a very large area.
In 1915, the camp's name changed. It became "Camp Hughes." This was to honor Major-General Sir Sam Hughes. He was Canada's Minister of Militia and Defence. This meant he was in charge of Canada's military at the time.
Training for World War I
Between 1915 and 1916, many things were built at Camp Hughes. These included long trench systems. There were also places for grenade and rifle practice. Other military buildings were constructed too.
The camp also had a lively area with shops. Soldiers could find stores and entertainment there. It was like a small town.
During World War I, many soldiers trained here. Over 38,000 troops of the Canadian Expeditionary Force came through. By 1916, Camp Hughes was huge. It had more people than any other city in Manitoba, except for Winnipeg. Many soldiers who trained here later fought in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This important battle happened in France on April 9, 1917.
The Camp Closes
The Canadian Army kept training soldiers at Camp Hughes. This continued until 1934. Then, the camp closed down. The soldiers moved to other camps. These included Camp Shilo (now CFB Shilo) and Kapyong Barracks. The move happened for money and planning reasons. Camp Hughes was also used a little during World War II.
In the early 1960s, the site was used again. It became a remote radio station. This was for Camp Shilo during the Cold War. A special underground bunker was built. This bunker was closed in 1992 and has since been removed.
Camp Hughes Today
Today, the original trench system is still there. It is over 85 years old and a bit worn down. But it is still complete. It is the only World War I trench system left in North America.
The Camp Hughes Cemetery is also still at the site. It is located on a place called Cemetery Hill.
Camp Hughes National Historic Site is no longer used by the military. This means it is open to everyone. You can visit it freely. However, the Canadian Department of National Defense still watches the area. This is because Camp Hughes is very close to a restricted military area of CFB Shilo.
Why is Camp Hughes Important?
In 1994, the Government of Manitoba recognized Camp Hughes. They named it a Provincial Heritage Site. This means it is an important historical place in Manitoba. In 2011, it became a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it is important to all of Canada.
There is also a park nearby called "Camp Hughes Wayside Park." It is located west of Carberry. This park is named in honor of the old military camp.
Photo gallery
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Trenches at Camp Hughes
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Trenches at Camp Hughes
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A sign marking the boundary of the historical area
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Entrance to the Camp Hughes Cemetery
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Entrance gate to the area where the trench systems are located. Maps and other information are located here.
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Headstones in the Camp Hughes Cemetery
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Unknown grave at Camp Hughes
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Sign notifying visitors of archeological research activity at Camp Hughes (taken in 2013)
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A gate near Camp Hughes on the boundary of the restricted DND area connected to CFB Shilo
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The main walking trail leading to trenches in the historical area
