Can you imagine a sprawling military base transforming into a bustling film studio? Here at Fort McPherson, that’s exactly what happened. Fort McPherson occupied almost 500 acres in southwest Atlanta. It served as a key military installation from 1885 to 2011. Fort McPherson played a vital role throughout various periods of American history.
Fort McPherson’s story began long before its official establishment. The land served as a muster ground for the Georgia state militia as early as 1835. During the Civil War, it was used by both Confederate and Union forces. The fort was named after Union General James McPherson, who was killed during the Battle of Atlanta.
The fort officially became Fort McPherson in 1885. It transitioned from an artillery post to an infantry post during the Spanish-American War. Fort McPherson served as a training center and even housed prisoners from the Cuban campaign. Later, it played a vital role in both World Wars. During World War I, Fort McPherson became an officer training camp and a major hospital. It even housed German prisoners of war. World War II saw the fort’s activities greatly expand with increased recruitment and training. Fort McPherson also served as a separation center for soldiers after the war.
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Fort McPherson remained a significant military post. It housed the headquarters for the Third Army and later the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). The fort played a key role in the Persian Gulf War, coordinating ground forces and overseeing the U.S. Army presence in Southwest Asia.
Despite its long history, Fort McPherson closed in 2011 as part of a Base Realignment and Closure plan. However, its story didn’t end there. In a dramatic transformation, filmmaker Tyler Perry purchased a large portion of the base in 2015. He turned it into a state-of-the-art film studio. This studio now boasts twelve soundstages and numerous standing sets. Some of the original Fort McPherson structures have even been preserved. So, as you stand here, remember Fort McPherson. It’s not just a former military base. It’s a testament to adaptation and a vibrant part of Atlanta’s evolving story.