U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
United States Army Quartermaster Museum
Quartermaster Branch Insignia on the side of the museum
Established	1957
Location	1201 22nd Street, Bldg. 5218 Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia
Collections	Insignia and flags Clothing Equipment and personal items Weapons Artwork Vehicles
Visitors	70,000

The United States Army Quartermaster Museum is a special place in Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. It is a museum that collects and shows the history of the Quartermaster Corps. This part of the U.S. Army helps make sure soldiers have everything they need. They handle supplies, food, clothing, and equipment.

The Quartermaster Corps started way back in 1775. The museum has over 24,000 items that tell its story. It also helps teach soldiers about their history. More than 16,000 soldiers learn here each year.

How the Museum Started
Amazing Things to See
See Also

How the Museum Started

The idea for the museum began in 1953. The Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia, started collecting old uniforms. They used these uniforms to teach students how to fit and size clothing.

Early Days of the Collection

In 1954, two old buildings from World War II were opened. These buildings held the growing collection of uniforms. People often called this popular classroom display the "museum."

Official Opening in 1957

The museum officially opened in February 1957. Its first items were the uniforms and other donated objects. Many artifacts came from large Quartermaster storage places. These included depots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Building the Main Museum

The main museum building was finished in June 1963. It is very large, covering 20,000 square feet. Money for the building came from private donations and loans. Once built, the building was given to the U.S. Government.

Honoring Important People

In 1976, the museum building was named after Brigadier General John A. Spencer Jr. He was very important in helping to create the museum. Later, more parts were added to the building.

New Additions to the Museum

In October 1993, a 100-seat auditorium was added. It was named for Major General Robert M. Littlejohn. He was the Quartermaster for Europe during World War II. He also strongly supported the museum.

In June 1998, a research and learning center was completed. This center was named after Major General Joseph E. Peklik. He helped raise money for this new part. This area holds the museum's library and storage. It also has a lab for taking care of old items.

The Big Sign Outside

The most noticeable thing outside the museum is a huge sign. It shows the Quartermaster branch insignia in 3D. Many visitors take group photos in front of this large sign.

Amazing Things to See

The Quartermaster Museum has many special items. Some are even called "National Treasures." Here are a few of them:

General Patton's World War II Jeep. This Jeep belonged to General George S. Patton. He used it during the European part of World War II. It was changed to fit his style. It even had special air-horns to announce his arrival!

General Grant's Civil War Saddle. This saddle was used by General Ulysses S. Grant. He rode it from 1862 until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Grant gave the saddle to a friend in 1869. It was later kept at the Smithsonian Institution for over 70 years. It came to the museum in 1968. One Army leader called it "one of the most prized objects" in the Army's museums.

General Grant's Civil War Wagon. You can also see an 1861 Army ambulance wagon. People believe Grant used it to carry his bags during the Petersburg Campaign. After the war, it was stored in different places before coming to the museum.

President Franklin Pierce's Saddle. This saddle has silver decorations. It dates back to the 1840s. President Pierce used it when he was a military leader in the war with Mexico.

General Eisenhower's Office Van. General Dwight D. Eisenhower used this vehicle during World War II. He was the top commander for the Allied forces in Europe. This large semi-trailer was his mobile home and office. Inside, it had wood walls, a bed, and even a shower and toilet.

The First 50-Star Flag. This flag was given to President Eisenhower in 1960. It showed that Hawaii had become the 50th state.

Presidential Flags. The museum has a very large collection of flags used by U.S. Presidents. These include flags from Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Truman, Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt.

U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum facts for kids

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