Fort William Henry Harrison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort William Henry Harrison |
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| Location | Lewis and Clark County, Montana, USA |
| Nearest city | Helena, Montana |
Fort William Henry Harrison is a special place near Helena, Montana. It's where the Montana National Guard trains its soldiers. This important site also has the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, a hospital for military veterans, and the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, a peaceful resting place for those who served our country.
History of Fort Harrison
Fort William Henry Harrison has a long and interesting history. It was first approved by the United States Congress on May 12, 1892. The idea was to create a few larger military bases. This would allow smaller, older bases to close down.
The fort was first called Fort Harrison. It was named after the President at the time, Benjamin Harrison. This happened on December 13, 1892. Later, on February 16, 1906, its name was changed. It became Fort William Henry Harrison. This was because another Army fort already existed in Indianapolis, Indiana, named after Benjamin Harrison.
The first soldiers arrived at Fort William Henry Harrison on September 23, 1895. They came from Fort Assinniboine, a base near Havre, Montana. These first troops left the fort in 1913.
World War II Training Site
Fort William Henry Harrison played a big role during World War II. In 1942, it became a training area for a special group. This group was called the 1st Special Service Force. It was a unique team of American and Canadian soldiers.
This brave group became very famous. Their story was told in a 1966 book called The Devil's Brigade. A movie with the same name, The Devil's Brigade, was also made in 1968.
What Happens at the Fort Today?
Today, Fort William Henry Harrison is a busy place. It is the main home for the Montana National Guard. Many different military units work and train here.
Some of these units include:
- The Joint Forces Headquarters
- The 95th Troop Command
- The 208th Regional Training Institute
- The Training Center Headquarters
- The 190th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment
- The Montana Medical Readiness Detachment
- The 83rd Civil Support Team
- The 1049th Fire Fighting Detachment
- I Company 145th Forward Support Element
The fort also has a training center for the Army Reserve. And, as mentioned, it is home to the Veterans Administration Hospital. This hospital helps many veterans.
