Brief History of Fort Oglethorpe

History of the Fort...

“The 20's and 30's saw Fort Oglethorpe become one of the elite Army Posts in the nation. The elegance of its architecture, from the Classic Renaissance of the original construction to the later Neo-Classic, lent an air of charming unity.......Sunday afternoon Polo matches were famous throughout southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia. They comprise "THE Fort Oglethorpe" memory of most people who lived in these areas back then.”

[Excerpted from "A Guide to the Historic District of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia" published by Fort Oglethorpe Preservation Society (1975)].

1904: US Army post established.

1905: Post commissioned, and named Fort Oglethorpe.

1912: President William Howard Taft signed bill increasing Fort Oglethorpe to a full brigade post.

1914 - 1921: Post expanded during WWI to more than 1,600 buildings and more than 60,000 troops. Parade ground was used as detention camp for enemy aliens and prisoners of war.

1920 - 1930: Soldiers of 6th Cavalry held polo matches on the parade grounds.

1930 - 1940: Post prepared for war, with bantam cars and other automobiles gradually replacing horses in the 6th Cavalry.

1941 - 1945: Fort Oglethorpe used as Army induction center, prison barracks and stockade during WWII.

1942: Sixth Cavalry transferred to South Carolina.

1943: About 5,000 women from the Women's Third Army Corps Training Center move in.

1947: Post declared surplus.

1948: Civilian town created.

1949: City of Oglethorpe chartered.

1977: Buildings placed on the National Historic Register.

Fort Oglethorpe Historic District

In addition to the original Parade Ground (Johnston Field) and the Band Stand, the historic Fort Oglethorpe Post consist of eighteen original structures:

• (One) Band Barrack
• (One) Post Guard House
       (Stockade)
• (Six) Double Officers’
       Quarters for 2 Lieutenants
       and families
• (Five) Double Officers’
       Quarters for 2 Captains
       and families
• (Four) Single Officers’
       Quarters for a Field Grade
      Officer and family
• (One) Officers' Bachelors
       Quarters

The original Hospital, Post Chapel, Post Exchange, Theater, and Gymnasium are located within walking distance.

Yesteryear Properties

PO Box 184 * Ringgold, GA 30736 * (423) 413-1625