Fort George Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort George Wright Historic District
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 Location in Washington (state)
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Spokane, Washington |
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| Area | 250 acres (100 ha) |
| Built | 1896, 129 years ago |
| Architect | U.S. Government |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Georgian Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001918 |
| Added to NRHP | May 17, 1976 |
Fort George Wright is a historic area located in Spokane, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It was named after General George Wright, a military leader who had been stationed in this region. Today, it is recognized for its important past and some of its land is used for a college campus.
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History of Fort George Wright
In 1895, people living in Spokane bought a piece of land called Twickenham Park. They gave this land to the U.S. government. The idea was to build a military base there. In 1896, the U.S. Congress approved the purchase of about 1,022 acres for $40,000.
Building the fort started in 1897. It officially opened in 1899. Most of the buildings you see there today were built between 1897 and 1906.
From 1909 to 1910, the fort was used to hold members of the Industrial Workers of the World. These people had been arrested during a time of public speeches and protests in Spokane.
Between 1899 and 1940, Fort George Wright was home to different army units. These included mounted infantry, which are soldiers who ride horses. Two famous units were the 24th and 25th "Buffalo soldier" regiments. The 4th Infantry Division was also stationed here. This division fought in huge battles during World War I, like the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensives. Later, in World War II, they landed on the beaches of Normandy.
In September 1915, a young officer named Omar Bradley came to Fort Wright. He joined the 14th Infantry Regiment (United States) there. He would later become a very important general.
Fort George Wright in World War II
On January 9, 1941, Fort George Wright became the main office for the Northwest Air District. This group was in charge of defending the air and looking for enemy submarines in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
On February 28, 1941, the staff of the Northwest Air District moved their offices to Fort George Wright. From this new location, they managed all air activities for eleven states in the northwest. On March 26, 1941, the District was renamed the 2d Air Force.
Even famous people were at Fort George Wright! Clark Gable, a well-known actor from the movie Gone with the Wind, was briefly stationed there in January 1943. He was training for a special job: making a film to help recruit more gunners for the Army Air Force.
The large open field, called the parade ground, was opened for planes on June 12, 1942. Small planes used it for quick trips to support the 2d Air Force headquarters.
In June 1943, the headquarters of the 2d Air Force moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
After the Wars
Fort Wright continued to be used for military purposes until 1957. After that, the government decided the fort was no longer needed for the military. They gave educational places the first chance to buy the property. In 1960, some of the land was used to create Spokane Falls Community College.
In May 1976, the college campus was listed as the Fort George Wright Historic District. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. This is partly because St. Michael's Mission is also located there. This building, built in 1882, was originally in a different spot and was moved to the Fort Wright campus.
The Fort George Wright cemetery is also on the land. It is a small, square area located northwest of the main fort. The Fairchild Air Force Base manages this cemetery. It is the resting place for service members and their families.
In the summer of 1950, the green grass field for Memorial Stadium was created. The lush sod for this stadium was taken from the parade grounds at Fort George Wright. Today, that stadium is known as Joe Albi Stadium.
Images for kids
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Fort George Wright, around 1918
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