Camp Merriam (California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Camp Merriam
Part of Department of the Pacific
San Francisco
Troops departing from Camp Merriam through the Lombard gate, 1895.
Camp Merriam
Coordinates	37°47′54.46″N 122°26′52.43″W / 37.7984611°N 122.4478972°W / 37.7984611; -122.4478972
Site history
In use	July 1898-about 1902

Camp Merriam was a special army camp in San Francisco, California. It was set up during the Spanish–American War (1898) to get American soldiers ready. These soldiers were going to fight in the Philippines.

The camp was located inside the Presidio of San Francisco, a large military base. It was named after Major General Henry C. Merriam. He was in charge of all military operations in the western United States. Camp Merriam was built on hills near the Lombard Street entrance to the Presidio.

Why Camp Merriam Was Needed

Camp Merriam was created in July 1898. Before this, another camp called Camp Merritt was used. But Camp Merritt had many problems. It was not a healthy place for soldiers.

The conditions at Camp Merritt were very bad. There were worries about diseases spreading. People in San Francisco were concerned about the health of the city. So, the Secretary of War, who was in charge of the army, decided to close Camp Merritt.

On July 19, 1898, all soldiers were told to move. They left Camp Merritt and went to the Presidio. This is where Camp Merriam was quickly set up. It became the new place to train and prepare soldiers.

Training Soldiers for War

Camp Merriam was a busy place. It helped prepare volunteer soldiers from different states. These included California, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. Soldiers learned important skills there. They got ready for their journey to the Philippines.

The camp was used for about four years. It played a key role in getting troops ready for the war. Many soldiers passed through Camp Merriam. They then traveled across the Pacific Ocean.

Images for kids

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  Troops departing from Camp Merriam through the Lombard gate, 1895.