Crestline Area in Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Camp Bowie in World War I

Photographed By Gregory Walker, March 13, 2010

1. Camp Bowie in World War I Marker

Inscription. Headquarters, 36th Division, United States Army, 1917-1919. Established to train Texas National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard, after the U.S. entered World War I, April 1917. Named for James Bowie (1795-1836), one of the commanders who died at the Alamo in Texas War for Independence, Camp Bowie was occupied in July 1917. First troops to arrive slept in deep Johnson grass that covered the site, an undeveloped suburb.

By Nov. 1917, the 36th Division had 25,000 men here, and on July 8, 1918, they were shipped to France, to form reserve for French Armies of the Center. After nightfall, Oct. 6, the 36th occupied a segment of the fighting front; on Oct. 8 joined by elements of the U.S. 2nd Division, it captured St. Etienne-A-Arnes. It fought Oct. 10-28 in the Meuse-Argonne operation that shattered the German Army and assured victory to the Allies, bringing Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918.

The 36th Division, embarking for home the next May, had all its men on U.S. soil by June 11, 1919. Soon demobilized, it saw its "Home" at Camp Bowie revert to civilian uses between July 1919 and Aug. 1920.

When the Texas National Guard entered World War II its new camp at Brownwood was also named Bowie.

Erected 1973 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 651.)

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Texas Independence • War, World I. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1917.

Location. 32° 44.645′ N, 97° 22.801′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is in the Crestline Area. Marker is at the intersection of Camp Bowie Boulevard and Thomas Place, on the right when traveling west on Camp Bowie Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4100 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth TX 76107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Herman O'Brien, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Bowie Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker); Arlington Heights Lodge No. 1184, A.F. and A.M (approx. half a mile away); Midnight (approx. 0.7 miles away); Herbert M. Hinckley (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fairview (approx. 0.8 miles away); Smith-Burnett Home (approx. 0.9 miles away); WWI Camp Bowie Base (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.

Park where Camp Bowie Marker is located. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gregory Walker, March 13, 2010

2. Park where Camp Bowie Marker is located.

New location of Camp Bowie in World War I Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, June 20, 2023

3. New location of Camp Bowie in World War I Marker

Another marker at NW corner of park commemorating soldiers of Camp Bowie in World War I. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gregory Walker, March 13, 2010

4. Another marker at NW corner of park commemorating soldiers of Camp Bowie in World War I.

To those gallant men who composed the original Thirty-Sixth Division of World War I, and who trained here before departing for service overseas, where many of whom made the supreme sacrifice, this marker is reverently dedicated.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,212 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 3. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 4. submitted on April 23, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.