Camp Funston (1)

 (1917-1919) - A U.S. Army World War I National Army Mobilization and Training Camp first established in 1917 on the Fort Riley reservation, Riley County, Kansas. Named Camp Funston in G.O. 95, 18 Jul 1917, after Brigadier General Frederick L. Funston, a Medal of Honor recipient, a legendary figure in the Philippine insurrection and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Abandoned in 1919.

World War I
One of sixteen U.S. Army National Army Mobilization and Training Camps established in 1917 to train and integrate National Army units for service in a U.S. Army division. Camp Funston was established in July 1917 under the supervision of construction quartermaster Captain Fred J. Herman on a site of about 2,000 acres. The camp was to have a capacity of about 54,000 officers and enlisted men that would become the 89th U.S. Infantry Division. The camp was mostly completed by 1 Sep 1917 by the contractor, George A. Fuller Company, at an eventual cost of $ 10,700,000.

The first commander of the camp was Major General Leonard Wood who formed the 89th U.S. Infantry Division and initiated troop training. The 89th was formed in August 1917 and departed for France in June 1918 The Division distinguish itself in combat operations and suffered 7,291 casualties. The 89th returned to the U.S. in May-June 1919 and was demobilized.

At the end of the war the camp became a demobilization center until it was abandoned in 1919. Camp Funston was torn down in the 1920s and the lumber sold at auction. Camp Funston became a maneuver area.

Current Status
Foundation(s) and two markers on Fort Riley, Riley County, Kansas. A sign marker sits at the base of the hill where the foundation of the headquarters building can be seen. The stone Funston Monument is nearby, both markers are along Huebner Road between E Street and H Street.

Sources:
 * , page 299-300

Links:
 * North American Forts - Camp Funston
 * Wikipedia - Camp Funston
 * New River Notes - World War I Forces
 * Historic Marker Database - Funston Monument
 * Historic Marker Database - Camp Funston