Camp Pendleton (Virginia) facts for kids
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Camp Pendleton-State Military Reservation Historic District
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Rifle range tower at Camp Pendleton
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by General Booth Blvd., S. Birdneck Rd., and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia |
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| Area | 328 acres (133 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | W.W. LaPrade, Col. Charles D. Hartman |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000852 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 26, 2005 |
Camp Pendleton is a state military area in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It covers about 325-acre (1.32 km2) of land. The camp is named after Confederate Brigadier General William N. Pendleton. He was a chief artillery officer for Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War. Camp Pendleton is located on the Atlantic coast, near Naval Air Station Oceana.
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A Look Back: Camp Pendleton's History
The idea for Camp Pendleton began in 1911. Construction started in 1912. It was first built as a rifle range for the state militia. From 1922 to 1942, the camp was named after the current Governor of Virginia. It was called Camp Trinkle, then Camp Byrd, Camp Pollard, Camp Peery, and Camp Price.
Camp Pendleton During the World Wars
During both World War I and World War II, the United States government took control of the base. In World War I, the U.S. Navy used it for training with coastal artillery. In World War II, the U.S. Army took over. They were the first to call it Camp Pendleton. The 50th Coast Artillery Regiment was formed here in February 1942. This group used large 155 mm guns for training.
Becoming a Historic Place
The Camp Pendleton-State Military Reservation Historic District was recognized as a historic district. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 26, 2005. The camp was originally about 400 acres (160 ha) in size. Most of the buildings from the first construction in 1912 were for the rifle range. These were taken down before World War II.
A second building phase started in 1919. The U.S. Navy improved the rifle range during this time. Those buildings are also gone now. However, you can still see where the first two phases were laid out. The third and final major building phase happened during World War II. The U.S. Army was in charge then. Most of the buildings still standing today are from this time. When it was listed as historic, Camp Pendleton had 108 buildings. These buildings were in good enough shape to be part of its historical importance.
What Camp Pendleton Is Used For Today
The federal government helps pay for Camp Pendleton. This is done through the National Guard Bureau. The main goal of the camp is to train people and groups from the Virginia National Guard. Other states' National Guard units also train here. Parts of the U.S. Armed Forces use the camp too.
When military groups are not using the facilities, state and local civilian groups also train there. The camp has many useful areas. These include a small arms range, a place for helicopters to land, classrooms, and barracks for sleeping. There are also dining halls, garages for repairs, training fields, and a chapel.
Other Groups at Camp Pendleton
Other organizations also use Camp Pendleton. The Military Sealift Command has facilities here. The State of Virginia leases these to the federal government. The 203rd RED HORSE is also based here. This is part of the Virginia Air National Guard. On March 3, 2001, a sad event happened. Many members of the 203rd RED HORSE and aviators from the Florida Army National Guard lost their lives. Their aircraft, a Florida ARNG C-23 Sherpa, crashed over Georgia. This was a very difficult time for the National Guard.
Commonwealth Challenge Program
In 1991, the U.S. Department of Defense started the Youth Challenge Program. Virginia's version of this program is called the Commonwealth Challenge (or Commonwealth ChalleNGe). This program helps young people aged 16 to 18. It has a military-like structure. The Virginia National Guard runs it at Camp Pendleton.
The program helps young people develop important values, skills, and self-discipline. It also helps them with their education. Young people from all over Virginia join this program. The Camp Pendleton program started in September 1994. It lasts for 5 and a half months. It offers a GED program, which is like a high school diploma.
The program has three parts. First, there are 2 weeks of introduction. Then, there are 20 weeks of the main program. Finally, there is a 12-month program after graduation. Helping the community is also a part of the program. New classes start every January and June. Participants only pay for personal items. Their tuition, room, and food are all provided. More than 3,000 young people have graduated from this program in Virginia.
The Governor's Cottage
Since shortly after World War II, a 2,000 square feet (190 m2) home at the camp has been a vacation spot. It is used by the current governor of Virginia. This "cottage" was built in 1915. It was first used as the home for the commanding officer. From 2004 to 2014, the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps also held summer and winter training camps at Camp Pendleton.
What's Next for Camp Pendleton?
When Camp Pendleton was first built, it was in a quiet, less populated area. Since then, the city of Virginia Beach has grown a lot around it. This has led to some concerns about safety. Over time, hundreds of acres of land from the camp have been sold to the city.
The role of Camp Pendleton is also changing. More National Guard training now happens at Fort Pickett, which is a much larger base. This means Camp Pendleton might become less important for training. Because of this, the city has asked many times to use the land for other things. This includes turning all or part of it into a state park. A report in 1998 looked into this idea. It found that it was not possible at that time to make Camp Pendleton a state park. This was due to long-term planning needs and working with the federal government.
