Camp Dodge (2)

 (1907-Present) - A World War I National Army Camp established in 1917 on the site of a previous National Guard campground near Johnston, Polk County, Iowa. Named Camp Dodge in G.O. 95, 18 Jul 1917, after Major General Grenville M. Dodge, Union U.S. Civil War Commander. Active military installation.

World War I
One of sixteen National Army Training Camps established in 1917 to train World War I draftees. Established in 1917 under the supervision of construction quartermaster Major Millard A. Butler on a site of about 6,400 acres. The camp was to have a capacity of 62,000 officers and enlisted men. The Camp was complete in November 1917 at an eventual construction cost of $ 11,700,000.

The first commander of the camp was Major General Edward Plummer who formed the 88th U.S. Infantry Division and supervised the training of the troops. The 88th was organized in September 1917 and the first elements departed for France on 6 Aug 1918. By early September 1918, the complete division was in Europe. The 88th was initially a training Division and provided replacements for other units but the whole division was activated for overseas combat on 22 Jul 1918.

The 19th U.S. Infantry Division was organized in September 1918 at Camp Dodge but did not complete training before the end of the war on 11 Nov 1918.

At the end of the war, Camp Dodge became a demobilization center on 3 Dec 1918. The 19th Division was demobilized at Camp Dodge in January 1919 without being sent overseas. The 88th division returned from Europe in May 1919 and was demobilized at Camp Dodge in Jun 1919.

In May 1921, 1,200 camp buildings were sold to the Northwest Lumber and Wrecking Company from Minneapolis who tore them down for salvage.

In 1922 the camp was returned to the Iowa National Guard. The Iowa National Guard retained the government-owned property and the leased land was returned to the owners. The camp became the headquarters Iowa National Guard.

World War II
Camp Dodge was federalized during World War II and served as an induction center for draftees and volunteers. Following the war, the camp was returned to the State and continues as the Headquarters of the Iowa National Guard.

Current Status
Active military installation, HQ Iowa National Guard, Johnston, Polk County, Iowa.

Sources:
 * , page 285

Links:
 * http://www.northamericanforts.com/West/ia.html#dodge2 North American Forts - Camp Dodge]
 * Wikipedia - Camp Dodge
 * Iowa National Guard - Camp Dodge
 * Camp Dodge
 * New River Notes - World War I Forces