Camp Las Pulgas facts for kids
Camp Las Pulgas is a special part of Camp Pendleton in California. It's also known as the 43 Area Camp Pendleton. This camp was built a long time ago during World War II. Its main job was to train US Marines. These Marines would then go to fight in the Pacific War. After the war, the camp also gave them a place to stay when they came home.
The camp had different kinds of shelters. Some were tents, and others were quonset huts. Quonset huts are special buildings shaped like half-cylinders. The name "Las Pulgas" is Spanish for The Fleas.
What is Camp Las Pulgas?
Camp Las Pulgas is a subcamp of the much larger Camp Pendleton. A subcamp is like a smaller, specialized area within a big base. During World War II, the camp was a busy place. It helped prepare Marines for battles far away. It also welcomed them back when their service was done.
The original tent camp from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War was called Camp Las Pulgas Bivouac Area. It was also known as Tent Camp 1. Today, this area is a parking lot. It is used for Camp Pendleton's Combat Convoy Simulator and the Training Support Division.
A Look Back: How the Camp Started
The area where Camp Las Pulgas is located has a long history. In 1769, a Spanish explorer named Gaspar de Portolá camped here. He was on an expedition with Junípero Serra and Joan Crespí. Father Crespí saw many wild Castilian roses growing in the canyon. He named the spot La Canada de los Rosales, which means Rose Canyon.
A few years later, a group from Mission San Luis Rey de Francia camped in the same canyon. They found many fleas there and were bothered by them. Because of this, they called the place Camp Las Pulgas. This is how the camp got its unique name.
The land later became part of the large Spanish missions in California. After the Mexican secularization act of 1833, the land changed hands. It became grazing land for cattle owned by Andrés Pico and Pío Pico. In 1844, this land officially became their property, known as Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores.
Andrés Pico used this land as his headquarters during the Mexican–American War. His troops fought in the Battle of San Pasqual in December 1846. After the war, the land went back to being used for grazing animals. Then, World War II changed the land again. It was turned into the important training camp we know today.
What Happens at Camp Las Pulgas Today?
Since 1971, Camp Las Pulgas has been the home of the 11th Marine Regiment. This regiment is the artillery division of the 1st Marine Division. Artillery units use large guns to support other troops in battle.
The camp is also home to the 1st Maintenance Battalion. This battalion helps keep all the Marine Corps equipment working. It fixes vehicles, weapons, and other gear.
Other important places at Camp Las Pulgas, or 43 Area, include:
- Pulgas Lake
- Las Pulgas Park
- 11th Marine Armory (where weapons are stored)
- 43 Area Dental Clinic
- Las Pulgas Barber Shop
- 43 Area Fitness Center
- 43 Area Pool
- 43 Area Branch Medical Clinic
- 43 Area SMP Single Marine Program Recreation Center
- 43 Area Training Tank
- United States Postal Office
These facilities help support the Marines and their families living and working at the camp.
