Camp Mabry, a name that evokes both a proud history and a vibrant present. Here in the heart of Austin, we stand before a place that’s been a dynamic symbol of Texas’s military heritage.
Founded in 1892, Camp Mabry was established as a training ground for the Texas Volunteer Guard. The camp was named after Brigadier General Woodford H. Mabry, the Adjutant General of Texas during its founding.
In the early 1900s, the camp expanded, and by the time World War I rolled around, the United States Army used it as a training site, building barracks and administration buildings. During World War II, Camp Mabry played an essential role in the war effort by serving as an engine rebuilding station for the troops abroad. It was during this time that a significant number of disabled veterans and civilians, including ex-housewives, received training and opportunities for employment.
Camp Mabry has served a variety of military purposes over its decades. It has been used as a mobilization area during the Spanish-American War and served as headquarters for the Texas Defense Guard during World War II. The Texas DPS and Texas Rangers received training at the camp until 1953. It has also hosted the Texas National Guard’s State Officer Candidate School since 1959.
The camp has many interesting features. The grandstands were funded by paid admissions to the historical reenactments and events held there. In 1915 the first permanent building, an arsenal, was built onsite, allowing military equipment and weapons to be stored in a more secure location. Today, Camp Mabry is home to the headquarters of the Texas Military Department, Texas Military Forces, and the Texas Military Forces Museum.
Camp Mabry is not solely a historical site. Today, the camp houses several units, including the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion, the NOSC Austin, and the Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines 4th Marine Division.
As we stand here, there is a sense of history and the proud tradition of service that echoes through the generations. Camp Mabry is much more than a military site; it’s a place where Texans have come together for service and a sense of community.