Camp Patrick Henry facts for kids

Camp Patrick Henry was an important United States Army base in Warwick County, Virginia. It is no longer used by the military. After World War II, the land became a busy airport. Today, this airport is known as Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. In 1958, the area became part of the City of Newport News.

Camp Patrick Henry During World War II

A special guide from Camp Patrick Henry

Camp Patrick Henry was mainly used to prepare soldiers for war. It was a "troop staging ground" for the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. This means soldiers gathered there before sailing overseas. The camp started in late 1942. It was built on about 1,700 acres (6.9 square kilometers) of forest land.

At its busiest, Camp Patrick Henry could hold about 35,000 people. These included American soldiers from all parts of the military. Soldiers from other Allied countries and civilians on special missions also stayed there. Many famous military groups passed through the camp. These included the 45th "Thunderbird" and 88th "Blue Devils" Infantry Divisions.

Almost 1.5 million people passed through the camp during the war. Most of them were heading to Western Europe. Later in the war, the camp also helped soldiers return home.

The camp had everything soldiers needed. It had its own post office, restaurants, and a movie theater. There was even a train system. This system took soldiers directly from the camp to ships on the James River.

Prisoners of War at Camp Patrick Henry

A coupon for prisoners of war at Camp Patrick Henry

Camp Patrick Henry also held over 5,000 prisoners of war. These were German and Italian soldiers captured between 1944 and 1945. The prisoners helped with work in the area. This was allowed under the Geneva Convention rules.

The first German prisoners were from the Afrika Korps. They were captured in North Africa in 1943. A special shop, called a canteen, was set up for the prisoners. They could buy certain items there.

After the War: The Cold War Era

After World War II, Camp Patrick Henry closed down. About 925 acres (3.7 square kilometers) of the land were given to the Peninsula Airport Commission. This was to build a new airport. Patrick Henry Field, which is now Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, opened in 1949.

The U.S. Army still used a small part of the area. They operated a Nike Missile site there until the late 1970s. This site was called N-85. After that, the entire base was permanently shut down.

Camp Patrick Henry Today

Today, a special historical marker stands in front of the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport terminal. This marker shows where Camp Patrick Henry once stood.

The marker's message tells us about the camp: Title: Camp Patrick Henry Dec. 1, 1942 – Jan. 31, 1945 Location: Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News, Virginia Description: "Named for Virginia patriot - orator Patrick Henry (1736–1799). An Army base of 1700 acres (6.9 square kilometers) of Peninsula woodland became a World War II staging area of 35,000 personnel capacity with shuttle rail service to shipside. A key component of the vital Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation. Almost a million and a half people were processed through this camp. After deactivation, the land was sold in 1949 for community development."

Images for kids

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  Camp Headquarters

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  469th Army Service Force Band

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  Telephone Center, Area 6

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  Red Cross workers assembled at the IP