Fort Crook (1)

 (1894-Present) - First established in 1894 to replace Fort Omaha. Named after General George Crook. Active military post, now Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, Sarpy County, Nebraska.

History
The post was built between 1894 and 1896 and initially garrisoned 28 Jun 1896 with troops of the 22nd U.S. Infantry. Fort Crook was designated as a place of confinement for general military prisoners 1 Jul 1895. Troops of the 22nd were sent to Cuba during the 1898 Spanish American War and suffered heavy casualties, only 165 of 513 survived the fighting and disease.

World War I
During World War I Fort Crook was designated a subpost of Fort Omaha and became a basic training center for Signal Corps balloonists. The flying field at Fort Crook was upgraded and designated Offutt Field 3 May 1924.

World War II
During World War II, Offutt Field was the site of a huge bomber plant operated by the Glenn L. Martin Company. The plant had an 11,300 foot concrete runway, six large hangars, and a 1.7 million square-foot aircraft-assembly building that produced 531 B-29 Superfortresses and 1,585 B-26 Marauders. The B-29's that dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan were built at Offutt Field.

Post World War II
Fort crook was transferred to the U.S. Air Force 1 Apr 1948, the base was renamed Offutt Air Force Base and became the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command.

Current Status
Active military facility, Offutt Air Force Base. The Fort Crook Historical District is located in the center of the base and has nine historic duplex officers quarters, one single officers quarters, six duplex NCO quarters,one single NCO quarters and several period barracks. A guardhouse and fire station are among the administrative and utility buildings remaining. All of the period buildings are in current use. Sources:
 * , page 482
 * , page 52-57

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Crook
 * Offutt Air Force Base
 * Strategic Air & Space Museum