Fort Lewis, as we know the name, is on the eve of it's disappearance - ushering in the era of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  What the effects of that name change will have on the many other places on post, is yet to be seen.  Still, it may be as good a time as any to reflect back on the post's history, as things, once again, are set to evolve.

Camp Lewis

On May 26, 1917 Captain David Lamme Stone arrived in Washington to build a National Army camp.  When he had completed his task, Camp Lewis comprised 1757 buildings, and 422 other structures that were built at a cost of $7,000,723.51, Myles Grant, who has been the Fort Lewis Military Museum director for the past four months said. 

The buildings were constructed on land donated by private citizens of Pierce County, which is one of many things that distinguish the military post, Grant said.

"Fort Lewis is the only military installation that was created out of a donation of land from citizens," Grant said.

Now known as Fort Lewis (since 1926), at least for a few more days, the 86,000 acre installation, which was named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is the largest military installation on the West Coast.  In addition to its size, Fort Lewis boasts a rich history. Below are a few of the landmarks and buildings that tell part of the rich history of Fort Lewis.

The Old Main Gate

Built of fieldstone and squared logs, the old main gate is one of the oldest structures on Fort Lewis.  Originally located on Lewis Drive across from the Fort Lewis Military museum, the main gate was relocated to its current site in 1957, after Interstate 5 was constructed. 

The main gate has plaques mounted on the stone walls commemorating early units of the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Transportation Division, 3rd Ammunition Transportation, 3rd Medical Regiment, 4th Infantry, 6th Engineers, 7th Infantry, 10th Field Artillery, 15th Infantry, 30th Infantry, 76th Field Artillery and the 91st Aero Squadron that were stationed at Fort Lewis. 

There is also a large stone and plaque containing a short history of the post, Grant said.

"Behind the stone walls, trees have been planted in honor of past post commanders," Grant wrote in his history of Fort Lewis. "Originally, a tree was plated for each post commander, but this practice was discontinued.  In 1957, General Paul Freeman reestablished the tradition.  A tree has been planted for each succeeding commander."

Two ornate bronze Spanish cannons guard the main gate.  Cast during the 18th and 19th centuries the cannon named "Marciano," was cast at Seville in 1788, and the other one "Carlos Boromeo," was forged in the same year, Grant said.

Meriwether Lewis and Sgt. John Ordway statues

Adjacent to the main gate is a park constructed as part of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery bicentennial in 2003 to 2006.  The park contains a statue of Captain Meriwether Lewis, the leader of the expedition and namesake of Fort Lewis and his Newfoundland dog, Seaman.  A second statue of Sergeant John Ordway was dedicated in 2006, and it is the U.S. Army's first named statue of an enlisted soldier. 

"It is important to honor the contributions of non-commissioned officers in the military," said retired CSM  Jimmie W. Spencer, director of NCO and Soldier Programs for the Association of the United States Army.  "People see command generals, and public affairs officers, but they don't see what goes on behind the scenes. The non-commissioned officer is the backbone of the American Army."

The Soldier's Statue

Located at the intersection of 41st Division Drive and Tacoma Avenue, stands an 18-foot fiberglass statue known as The Soldier's Statue, but often referred to as Iron Mike.  Memorializing the men of the 4th Infantry Division who trained at Fort Lewis before their departure for Vietnam, the statue's face was designed to incorporate features of all races, as to represent all infantrymen. To commemorate the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, a plaque was placed in front of the statue.  The statue was designed and sculpted by Juan J. Guerrero and Pekka J. Kauppi, both members of the 4th Division, Grant said.

91st Infantry Division Monument

Often serving as the backdrop for ceremonial functions, the 91st Infantry Division monument stands directly before Quarters No. 1, home of I Corps' Commanding General. Unveiled in 1930 by the 91st Division Association, the monument commemorates the role of the "Wild West Division" during World War I. The division was made-up of volunteers from Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. The 91st Division trained at Fort Lewis before departing for France. The monument was designated by the renowned sculptor, Avard T. Fairbanks. It occupies a place of pride at the head of Watkins Parade Field and is the focal point of the semicircle of general officers quarters constructed in 1934.  It also happens to block the CG's view of Mt. Rainier.

Ligget Avenue

This street was named in honor of Lt. Gen. Hunter Ligget, who served in the U.S. Army from 1879-1921.  During his 42 year career, he served as commander of the 41st Division, I Corps, First Army, and Third Army.

Waller Hall

Waller Hall was dedicated in January 1998 in honor of Lt. Gen. Calvin A.H. Waller who served as deputy commander in chief of the U.S. Central Command during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  His last active duty assignment was commanding general of I Corps and Ft. Lewis before his 1991 retirement. 

"All of those who knew him knew that he was an incredible patriot, a great troop leader, somebody who was dedicated to this country," said retired General Colin Powell, a long time personal friend, in an article on the Arlington National Cemetery Web site.

Pendleton Street

Pendleton Street is named in honor of Staff Sgt. Jack R. Pendleton who was assigned to the U.S. Army, Company I, 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. He received a Congressional Medal of Honor. 

His citation said he was killed October 12, 1944 in Germany, when he led his squad in an attempt to neutralize the enemy.

"By deliberately diverting the attention of the enemy machine gunners upon himself, a second squad was able to advance undetected, and with the help of Pendleton's squad, neutralized the lone machinegun, while another platoon of his company advanced up the intersecting street and knocked out the machinegun nest which the first gun had been covering.  Pendleton's sacrifice enabled the entire company to continue the advance and complete their mission at a critical phase of the action," said his Medal of Honor citation.

Gray Army Airfield

Gray Army Airfield is named after Hawthorn C. Gray.  Born in Washington D.C. on March 7, 1889, he entered the National Guard in 1912, served in World War I, and attained the rank of captain by February 1920. 

Gray set a U.S. altitude record at 29,000 feet on his first flight in a hot air balloon. "Gray attained 42,000 feet on his second flight, but it was not an official record, because he had to parachute out of his balloon as it descended to save himself...On his third flight in November 1927, he reached 42,000 feet (13,222 meters) again, but ran out of oxygen on the descent. He arrived on the ground with his balloon, but he was dead. It was the last high-altitude flight in an open basket until 1955, when these types of projects were reinstated to develop pressure and spacesuits," according to an article compiled by the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. 

"Gray Army Airfield once doubled as a movie set," Grant said. "The east-west runway became a backdrop for portions of "To Hell and Back," the life story of Lieutenant Audie L. Murphy.  Audie Murphy was the most decorated veteran of World War II and played himself in the movie."

Carey Memorial Theater

Located on Liggett Avenue, across from Waller Hall, Carey Memorial Theater was dedicated in 1950.  The theater commemorates the heroism of Staff Sergeant Alvin P. Carey, a member of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions near Plougastel, France, in August 1944.

McVeigh Memorial Gymnasium

Named for Sgt. John McVeigh, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division, who was a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroism near Brest, France, in August 1944. 

Red Cross Hostess House 

The Red Cross Hostess House (Bldg 4274), at the corner of 9th Division and Idaho Streets is the oldest surviving building on Fort Lewis.  Built in 1917, to provide services and support for the soldiers training at Fort Lewis before going to Europe, Grant wrote in his history of Fort Lewis. Since then, its activity has changed several times, but always centered on support of soldiers and families.  The Red Cross moved their administration operation into a new building on Pendleton Avenue in 1943.  The Red Cross Hostess House building was renovated and reopened in May 1996 as the Family Resource Center.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.