Camp Logan (2)

 (1917-1919) - A U.S. Army World War I National Guard Mobilization and Training Camp first established in 1917 near Houston, Harris County, Texas. Named Camp Logan in G.O. 95, 18 Jul 1917, after Major General John A. Logan,U.S. Civil War General and politician. 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 Logan was established on 27 July 1917 under the supervision of construction quartermaster Captain William P. Rothrock on a site of about 3,002 acres within a 9,560 acre leased reservation. The camp was to have a capacity of about 45,000 officers and enlisted men who would become the 33rd U.S. Infantry Division. The first phase of camp construction was completed 15 Aug 1917 with an eventual cost of $ 3,700,000.

The first commander of the camp was Major General James Parker who formed the 33rd U.S. Infantry Division and started the training of the troops. The 33rd was officially organized 27 Aug 1917 and departed for France in April-May 1918. The 33rd distinguished itself in combat during the war and suffered 8,401 casualties including 798 killed. The 33rd returned to the U.S. in May 1919 and was demobilized 6 Jun 1919 at Camp Grant (5), Illinois.

At the end of the war Camp Logan became a demobilization center until it was abandoned in 1919. The land was returned to the owners, later acquired by the city and later became Memorial Park.

Houston Riot (1917)
On 23 Aug 1917, 156 black soldiers from Camp Logan, armed with stolen weapons marched on Houston to free black soldiers that had been unjustly jailed by local authorities. The soldiers were met by citizens and local authorities and a riot ensued, killing 20 people. The black soldiers returned to camp and were arrested and eventually tried for their participation in the riot. Of the 156 participants 19 black soldiers were hanged and 63 received life sentences.

Current Status
Archeological remains in Memorial Park, Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Sources:
 * , page 768

Links:
 * North American Forts - Camp Logan
 * Wikipedia - Camp Logan
 * Buffalo Bayou - Camp Logan
 * Texas Handbook Online - Camp Logan
 * New York Times - Hart Hitting 33d Division
 * Texas Handbook Online - Houston Riot of 1917
 * New River Notes - World War I Forces