Source: Fort Custer Historical Society, Augusta, Michigan digitized images.
Fort Custer was at its peak of operation during World War II. The
map shows how Fort Custer had grown into a community by the end of World War
II. Spanning 14,500 acres, the fort was like a small city. It had barracks,
mess halls, and offices for soldiers and officers. Recreation was important,
with 130 recreation buildings, used for training and relaxation,14 Post Exchanges, four theaters, and service
clubs. Soldiers also had access to a gymnasium, bowling alley, golf course,
libraries, hospitals, gas stations, a railroad station, banks, chapels, post
offices, fire stations, commissary, a field house, and parade grounds.
Although
training areas are not shown on this map, Fort Custer had artillery ranges and an area for ground combat training. Fort Custer was built to meet the needs of
the soldiers while stationed there. It was located west of Battle Creek,
Michigan and east of Augusta, Michigan.
After the war, the government dispersed all but
7,540 acres to the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Fort Custer Industrial Park,
and Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Fort Custer National Cemetery has over 800-acres and is a place where
loved ones can visit to show respect and remember those buried there. Avenue of
the Flags welcome visitors to its vast area of well cared for headstones
honoring the men and women who served proudly.
The Fort Custer Recreation Area, a Michigan State Park, was built on a
little over 3,000 acres. Eagle Lake, walking trails, campsites, and picnic
areas are available on what was once Fort Cuter land.
The Fort Custer Industrial Park was built on the 3000 remaining acres. It has about eighty industries serving the work force in the area.
Today, Fort Custer Training Center is federally owned which the State of Michigan operates. The Michigan Army National Guard trains here. It is used by other states for training and is one of the most used training centers in the Midwest.
No comments:
Post a Comment