Old Missoula

Many Units Use Fort in 1920s

From 1921 there was continuous apprehension regarding the future of Ft. Missoula.

In a period of eight years after the fort was garrisoned in 1921, several different Army outfits were transferred in and out of Missoula. In 1929 proposals to cut down government expenditures were made in Washington, D. C., one of the methods suggested being the closing of a number of Army and Navy bases, including Ft. Missoula. For about two years the idea was considered, with the move being postponed every time a tentative date was set.

Hospital Idea Dropped

The Department of Interior in 1932 began toying with the idea of making the post a tuberculosis hospital, when it seemed certain the fort would be abandoned. But the hospital idea was discarded also.

The possibility of making the fort a government hospital was suggested for the third time shortly before the outbreak of World War II, but as before the idea did not develop. The position of the fort stabilized somewhat in 1936 when it was used as a large base for the Civilian Conservation Corps. During the period several new buildings were constructed and needed improvements were made available through WPA and PWA funds.

Rumors Resumed

Rumors of the pending disposal of the fort began again in 1939, as the shadow of war caused a concentration of troops in the larger posts, scattered around the country. At that time it was believed by many that Ft. Missoula would be abandoned to increased activity at Ft. Lewis, Wash.

Troops Moved

The troops were moved in 1940 but not to the coast. There were a vanguard of the thousands of men to be stationed in Alaska during the ensuing years. Once again the fort was left to be occupied by a handful of men.