Camp Mabry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp Mabry Historic District
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| Location | 2210 W. 35th St Austin, Texas United States |
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| Area | 375 acres (152 ha) |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architectural style | International Style, rustic CCC |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000967 |
| Added to NRHP | 30 August 1996 |
Camp Mabry is a military base in Austin, Texas. It is the main office for the Texas Military Department. It also houses the Texas Military Forces Museum. Camp Mabry started in 1892. This makes it the third-oldest active military base in Texas. Only Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss are older. The camp was named after General Woodford H. Mabry. He was the top military leader in Texas when the camp began. In 1996, Camp Mabry was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historic site.
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What Happens at Camp Mabry?
Camp Mabry is the main home for the Texas Military Department. This includes the headquarters for the Texas Military Forces. It also has the office of the Adjutant General of Texas. This person is the state's top military leader. The camp also hosts the main offices for the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. You can also find the Texas Military Forces Museum here.
This base has been used for many military purposes over the years. During the Spanish–American War, it was a place where soldiers got ready. In World War II, it was the main office for the Texas Defense Guard. It was also a training spot for the Texas DPS and Texas Rangers until 1953. Since 1959, it has trained future officers for the Texas National Guard. Today, other parts of the U.S. military also use Camp Mabry. These include the United States Army Reserve, the United States Navy Reserve, and the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Camp Mabry's Location and Size
Camp Mabry started with 85 acres of land. This land was given to the state by the city of Austin in 1892. It sits on a hill overlooking the Colorado River. At first, it was just a simple "camp." The Texas Volunteer Guard would camp there in the summers. They would put on shows and mock battles for the people of Austin.
In 1909, the camp grew much larger. The government bought 200 more acres for training the National Guard. By 1911, other land gifts made the camp about 375 acres. Today, the camp is next to the Mopac Expressway.
Buildings and Features
The first buildings at Camp Mabry were grandstands and a mess hall. These were paid for by tickets sold to the public events. In 1915, an arsenal was built. This was the first permanent building. It allowed military gear and weapons to be stored safely. During World War I, the U.S. Army used the camp for training. They built several barracks (places for soldiers to sleep) and office buildings.
From 1935 to 1943, a group called the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped improve the camp. They fixed 15 buildings and added new ones. They built walls, entrance gates, and a guard post using local limestone. They also built a dam, bridges, and drainage systems. They even built roads and made the camp grounds look nicer.
Other important buildings at Camp Mabry include a training center, maintenance shops, and the main office for the 36th Infantry Division. There is also a clinic and buildings for storing equipment. In 1992, the Texas Military Forces Museum opened at the site.
Before the September 11th attacks, Camp Mabry had a popular track. It was a mile long and next to Mopac. Many people used it for walking and jogging. Youth sports teams also used the field inside the track. The track and field are still open to the public. However, adult visitors must show a state or federal ID at the gate.
Weather Station
Camp Mabry has also had a weather station since 1898. This station helps track the weather.
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