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Fort Myer Firsts
It sits on Arlington Heights overlooking Washington DC and has seen its share of firsts since 1863 when it was first built as Fort Whipple. It was among the 70 fortifications surrounding the National Capital during the US Civil War, but unlike the rest which fell into disrepair and were abandoned, Fort Myer continues until this day (though they’ve hidden the name slightly – it’ll always be Fort Myer because of its significance and contributions.)
Some of the early firsts that this US Army Post holds are:
- First home of the US Signal Corps School
- First home of the National Weather Service (1870)
- First US Army Cavalry Showcase
- First military aviation flight (1908)
- First military aviation fatality (1908)
- First ROTC training
Over time, the significance of Fort Myer has grown. With it’s elite troops within, it continues to stand ready to defend the Nation’s Capital while providing an outstanding place to receive and honor visiting dignitaries.
The book “Images of America – Fort Myer” highlights these and others in a combination of historical photographs and revealing captions. The outstanding nugget is a first-time published note from Abraham Lincoln which no one knew existed.
9 Comments to “Fort Myer Firsts”
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Can’t wait for the book to hit the stores. As the webmaster of the Arlington National Cemetery Website, I love to read about the many “firsts” that took place on Fort Myer and have touched Arlington as well.
As a South Poster from 1966-1969, I have ordered the book. Last time I was there, I found NO TRACE of the South Post, not even a marker. I sometimes wondered how many Gillette Blue Blades exploded from the latrine walls when the wrecking balls hit the WWII era barracks I lived in! (There were slots cut in the walls of the latrines for disposal of the blades!)
I lived at South Fort Myer from 1956-1963 First at 321 c south post and then in Kansas Hall. I played in the concourse of the Pentagon, when to the elementary school,dispensary,polka dot room,green room,stables and more. We used to play in the cemetary and sleigh ride down the Lee Mansion Hill. The pool,gym,NCO club,service club,library and more. My mom worked at the North PX upstairs in the customer service dept. Many many great memories. The shuttle bus,the secret tunnels! Wow! Looking forward to the book. Claire
We lived at 211 Kansas Hall around 1959-60. I was in the 2nd grade then, my brother in the 6th. I remember the carnivals by the gym (outside in the summer), the sledding down the hill, the chimneys and smokestacks, walking to the theatre and PX, going to the old apts for the officers that were being torn down and playing in them before they were demolished.
Also— My dad is now buried in Arlington Cemetery
approx where we once lived!
I was stationed at South Post Ft Myer from June 1954 till May 1956, with the 2044 AACS.
This was the Air Force squadron stationed there that worked in the Pentagon and handled the incoming info from around the world to the Chiefs of Staff… I was in the crypto group.
We had about 200 or more stationed there,,, Nebraska Hall and maybe Alabama Hall.
Kinda hard to remember as that was many years ago. I have been there a number of times in the last few years…. have to really stop and think where South was located.
But I do remember it fairly well. Anyway great to see or hear anything about the South Post. If anyone wants to e-mail me its lbarnes1@twcny.rr.com…
Lloyd E Barnes
I saw your post while reading the Images of Fort Meyer book website. My father was also in the Air Force squadron stationed there that worked in the Pentagon at the same time. He was a Cryptologist. His name was Walter St. Pierre. Prior to that he was stationed in Iceland.
Thank you for the compliment. My suggestion is go to a hosted solution of WordPress – I use HostGator as my host. they are fantastic – the ad is normally in the left column. I would have someone who’s knowledgeable coach/consult with you and hold your hand at first. Once up and running, you can pretty much manage it yourself… I’ve done it with http://www.John-Michael.net now for the last two plus years.
I was stationed at South Post from 1953-1954 during the Korean War..I was with the 9423rd TSU Army Signal Corp and worked in the Pentagon at the Microwave Communications Station..Will be looking forward to seeing your book