Camp Shelby in Forrest County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Field House
World War II
| | 1941 | |
Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026
1. Field House Marker
Throughout World War II, the Field House was the site of numerous basketball games and tournaments on its three courts, as well as boxing and wrestling matches. In 1943, heavyweight champion, Joe Louis, and welterweights, Sugar Ray Robinson and Jackie Wilson, battled opponents in a boxing exhibition here. Zeke Bonura, first baseman for the Chicago White Sox, served as an athletic director here while he was stationed at Camp Shelby.
The Field House was often used as an entertainment venue, hosting stage shows and dances. In 1942, Al Jolson (The Jazz Singer) performed for troops here in the sports arena's first USO-sponsored show. That same year, a national weekly radio program featuring soldier talent,
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In 1947, as part of the U.S. Army's liquidation of World War II camp assets, the structure was sold to Mississippi Southern College (present-day USM) in Hattiesburg. It was dismantled at Camp Shelby and reconstructed near the college's football stadium. It opened there in 1949, and was one of the largest basketball arenas in the South at the time. It was demolished in 2004.
The crepe myrtles and lantana still seen around the Field House site today were planted during World War II through a partnership between the Hattiesburg Council of Garden Clubs and the Red Cross as part of an effort by citizens to "beautify" the grounds at U.S. Army training camps.
Erected by Camp Shelby Historic Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Forts and Castles •
Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026
2. Field House Marker
Location. 31° 11.772′ N, 89° 11.286′ W. Marker is in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in Forrest County. It is at the intersection of Lee Avenue and 37th Street, on the left when traveling east on Lee Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hattiesburg MS 39401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Mississippi’s Pine Belt. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Camp Shelby Victory Salute (here, next to this marker); Theater No. 3 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Non-Divisional Service Club Area (about 400 feet away); Service Club No. 2 (about
Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026
3. Field House Marker
The ruins of the Field House are located behind the markers.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the grounds of historic Camp Shelby, an active Mississippi National Guard military installation. Appropriate identification is required for access.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 28, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
