Remember Camp Logan? Once a bustling training ground, Camp Logan now rests peacefully within Memorial Park. The park borders the Crestwood neighborhood, near Memorial Elementary School.
Camp Logan’s story began during World War I. In 1917, the U.S. War Department leased 7,600 acres here. The land along Buffalo Bayou became a vital training base. Camp Logan prepared around 70,000 soldiers for war. At any given time, Camp Logan housed about 30,000 men.
Camp Logan was more than just a training facility. It became a social hub for Houston. Yet, amidst the activity, tragedy struck. The Houston Riot in August 1917 cast a dark shadow.
Camp Logan also faced another challenge. In 1918, the Spanish Flu pandemic hit. Over 600 cases were reported at Camp Logan by September 24. The Army surgeons made a tough call. They sent sick soldiers to homes and hospitals in Houston. This decision, intended to protect healthy soldiers, had dire consequences. By October 3, 48 soldiers from Camp Logan had died. The flu spread rapidly through Houston. By October 9, the local newspapers reported 33 flu-related deaths in the city. Thousands of flu cases were reported. Public spaces closed. Schools, restaurants, and even the Barnum & Bailey Circus shut down.
Despite the hardships, Camp Logan played a crucial role. Soldiers from Camp Logan displayed heroism. The 370th regiment, after training here, served with the French military. They became the most decorated unit in WWI.
Camp Logan closed on March 20, 1919. The land was later acquired by the city. It eventually transformed into Memorial Park. Today, remnants of Camp Logan remain. You can still find chunks of concrete and building foundations. Extensive trenches used for training are still visible. Many trails follow the old Camp Logan roads. One shell-surfaced service road to the golf course remains in its original condition.
A historical marker stands at the corner of Arnot Street and Haskell. It commemorates the camp and the 1917 riot.
Camp Logan’s legacy lives on. It reminds us of Houston’s contribution to World War I. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced during the 1918 flu pandemic. As you explore Camp Logan Park, remember its history. Imagine the soldiers who trained here. Think about the impact this place had on Houston. Camp Logan’s story is a story of both triumph and tragedy. It is a story forever etched in the landscape of Memorial Park.