Fort Benning

 (1918-Present) - A U.S. Army post established as Camp Benning in 1918 during World War I in Columbus, Chattahoochee County, Georgia and Russell County, Alabama. Named for Confederate General Henry Lewis Benning, a native of Columbus, Ga. Renamed Fort Benning on 8 Feb 1922. Active military post.

World War I
Established just before the end of World War I in October 1918 as an basic training post for infantry troops headed overseas. The post became a permanent post in 1920 and was renamed Fort Benning on 8 Feb 1922. An Infantry School of Arms was established that later became the Infantry School.

World War II
During World War II the post was expanded to 197,159 acres and a capacity for 3,970 officers and 94,873 enlisted men. Training included infantry and airborne units. Four 249' jump towers were built to provide parachute jump training.

Current Status
Active military post in Columbus, Chattahoochee County, Georgia. Training areas include the Maneuver Center, the Infantry School and the Armor School. The post has four major cantonment areas: Main Post, Kelley Hill, Sand Hill, and Harmony Church. At the western edge of the Main Post is Lawson Army Airfield which supplies support for the paratrooper training at Fort Benning.

National Infantry Museum
On post but outside the security check points is the magnificent National Infantry Museum. This museum traces the history of the Infantry through all the national conflicts using lifelike displays and interpretations. Outside the museum is a flag walk, a Vietnam memorial and a replica of a World War II company street with WWII 700 series buildings. This museum is outside the security premier and is open to the public. Must see if you are in this area.

Sources:
 * , page 217-218

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Benning
 * Wikipedia - Fort Benning
 * U.S. Army - Fort Benning