Camp Fremont (1)

 (1917-1919) - A U.S. Army World War I National Guard Mobilization and Training Camp first established in 1917 near Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California. Named Camp Fremont in G.O. 95, 18 Jul 1917, after Major General John C. Fremont, an early California explorer. Abandoned in 1919.

World War I (1917-1918)
One of sixteen U.S. Army National Guard Mobilization and Training Camps established in 1917 to train and integrate National Guard units for service in a U.S. Army division. Camp Fremont was established on 18 Jul 1917 under the supervision of construction quartermaster G. A. M. Elliott on a site of about 25,000 acres. The camp was to have a capacity of about 30,000 officers and enlisted men. The 41st U.S. Infantry Division was supposed to be formed at Camp Fremont but that division was formed at Camp Greene in North Carolina instead. The regular Army 8th U.S. Infantry Division was then selected to be formed at Camp Fremont. The camp was mostly complete in November 1917 at an eventual cost of $ 2,600,000.

The 8th U.S. Infantry Division was formed at Camp Fremont in December 1917. The division began to embark at Hoboken on 30 Oct 1918 for France just as the armistice was to take effect. Some of the units of the division made it to France but none of the division saw action. The 41st returned to the U.S. and was demobilized in various places.

The post was ordered salvaged on 19 Dec 1918 and abandoned in September 1919. The land reverted to the previous owners and the buildings were sold at auction.

Current Status
The post hospital became a part of the VA hospital, Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California.

Sources:
 * , page 68
 * , page 25

Links:
 * North American Forts - Camp Fremont
 * Wikipedia - Camp Fremont
 * California Military Museum - Camp Fremont
 * New River Notes - World War I Forces
 * San Mateo County Genealogical Society - Camp Fremont Naturalization Index