Old Missoula

Ft. Missoula Is Used as Training Camp for Mechanics in 1918

Ft. Missoula seemed doomed to death until after World War I.

From 1913 to the close of World War I the post lay idle for the most part and during much of the time was cared for by civilian personnel. During this period many plans for the final disposal of the post were discussed. The War Department, though, protested that it did not plan abandonment.

Request Refused

With the outbreak of World War I, the discussions reached a peak. Many asked the government to turn the property over to Montana State University. This request was refused in November 1917 when the War Department announced that the post was essential for the war effort.

Under Greater University

It was planned to make both Ft. Missoula and Ft. Harrison into hospitals. But May 17, 1918, it was announced that Ft. Missoula would be converted into a training camp for mechanics under the auspices of the Greater University of Montana. Machinery was moved in and work continued until the end of the war in November. The group training there later served for a short while in Siberia.

Infantry Base

Immediately after the war the Forest Service requested to use the fort as a training camp for aviators. The War Department said that while the fort was carried on the records as a first class aviation base for use only in case of emergency, it would continue to be used as an infantry base.

Once more in September, 1921, the fort was garrisoned with troops.