Camp John Wise

 (1918-1919) - A World War I balloon training camp established in 1918 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Named Camp John Wise after John Wise, pioneer balloon aviator. Abandoned in 1919 after the end of the war.

History
Established in January 1918 to provide balloon instruction for U.S Army personnel, officer and enlisted in the U.S. Army Balloon Corps. The first camp commander was Lt. Colonel James Prentice. The camp grew to have four ballons and about 33 officers and 1,800 men. It quickly began to graduate balloon companies for service overseas. In June 1918 two companies were sent to Ross Field in Arcadia, California, to establish an Army Balloon School on the west coast.

The camp was abandoned on 20 May 1919 and all the serviceable equipment and 15 Balloon Companies were sent to nearby Brooks Field. The Buildings and other property were later sold at auction and the land sold to developers.

Current Status
No remains, a marker is located on Fort Sam Houston in the quadrangle parking lot and a stone marker in Olmos Basin Park at the intersection of McCullough Ave and El Monte Blvd.

See Also:

Sources:

Links:
 * North American Forts - Camp John Wise
 * Camp John Wise Aerostation
 * Handbook of Texas - Camp John Wise
 * Wikipedia - Camp John Wise
 * Waymarking - Camp John Wise