Fort Carson

Shortly after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Fort Carson was established. The headquarters building was completed in January 1942, less than two months after the attack. The post’s original name was Camp Carson after General Christopher “Kit” Carson, the Army scout.

As World War II progressed, tank battalions, cooks, mule packers, an Italian ordnance company, and an infantry battalion from Greece trained at the camp. The internment camp opened in January 1943 and housed almost 9,000 German and Italian war prisoners. These prisoners assisted with farm work in addition to processing corn and tomatoes. They also did logging work.

The Field Artillery (Pack) battalions used pack mules at the camp from 1942 to 1956. They carried personnel, supplies, weapons and equipment over the rough roads. The mules frequently traveled across Ute Pass to the Leadville area and Camp Hale, where troops were trained for winter warfare in the bitter cold and snow of the mountains.

In 1946, after the war ended, the post’s population decreased until there were only about 600 personnel; however, troops increased again when the Korean War began in 1950. Camp Carson’s name was changed in 1954 to Fort Carson.

Mechanized units came to Fort Carson in the 1960s, and the Army added more land for training space. Butts Army Air Field, Fort Carson’s aviation facility, was completed in 1966. Military strength increased near the end of the decade as the Vietnam conflict escalated.

Fort Carson is the second most popular duty station in the continental United States, after Fort Lewis, Washington. Within the Army, it is one of the most requested duty stations worldwide.

Recreation Opportunities

Fort Carson is a large post with numerous special events and opportunities for recreation. The Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation operates two swimming pools, four fitness centers and a golf course. There are year-round intramural sports programs and outdoor trips. South of the post, Turkey Creek Ranch offers a variety of programs and services for the Fort Carson community. Many of these activities are free; others are available at low prices.

Housing and Other Considerations

There are over 3,000 excellent housing units at Fort Carson, and almost unlimited housing options in the City of Colorado Springs with its population of nearly 420,000. The smaller cities of Fountain, Security-Widefield, Peyton, Monument, Black Forest and Woodland Park are also within reasonable commuting distance. Schools, libraries and parks of every variety are found in this area.

Nearby Points of Interest

The Colorado Springs area is a bonanza for sightseeing and outdoor activities. There are a great number of historical sites, festivals and tourist attractions. Here are two special places owned by the city:

The altitude of Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet; it can be reached by toll road, cog railway or hiking trail. On a clear day, the views from the top may include Kansas and New Mexico. This view inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the lyrics to “America the Beautiful” in 1893.

The Garden of the Gods is a wonder of nature. Admission is free, and the red rock formations are amazing. The easiest way to see the park is to drive through it; other options include guided tours, hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Major Units

4th Engineer Battalion
4th Infantry Division
10th Combat Support Hospital
10th Special Forces Group
43rd Sustainment Brigade
71st Ordnance Group (EOD)
759th Military Police Battalion
13th Air Support Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force