Camp Shelby in Forrest County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Theater No. 3

World War II

— (Non-Divisional) —

Theater No. 3 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026

1. Theater No. 3 Marker

Inscription. These are the foundational remains of Theater No. 3, one of six permanent type theaters constructed at Camp Shelby during World War II. Also known as the "Non-Divisional Theater," it replaced an earlier tent theater that stood on the same footprint. The earlier tent theater had a canvas covering that was held up by exterior poles. The permanent theaters replaced the tent theaters within two years, Soldiers could enjoy the latest Hollywood movies and Broadway stage shows in this facility, which could accommodate up to 1,038 attendees. It was one of the most attended camp theaters in the U.S. during World War II. The venue was also used for Easter mass services for Camp Shelby's Catholic soldiers. It was dismantled by the U.S. Army after the war.

Captions
(Photo #1) Aerial photo of the Non-Divisional Service area block in early 1942.
(Photo #2) Tent Theafer No. 3 opened on this site in early 1941.
(Photo #3) A "permanent theater" replaced the tent theater in the winter of 1942-1943-

Erected by Camp Shelby Historic Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music

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• Forts and Castles • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.

Location. 31° 11.752′ N, 89° 11.34′ W. Marker is in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in Forrest County. It is at the intersection of Lee Avenue and 37th Street, on the right 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: Non-Divisional Service Club Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Service Club No. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Field House (about 300 feet

Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026

2. Theater No. 3 Marker

away, measured in a direct line); Camp Shelby Victory Salute (about 300 feet away); Vaudeville Theatre (approx. 1.1 miles away); 85th Infantry Division (approx. 2 miles away); Special Forces (approx. 2 miles away); "Go for Broke" (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camp Shelby.

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.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026

3. Theater No. 3 Marker

The view of the ruins of the theater and marker from the street.

Closeup of the Theater No. 3 Ruins image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 3, 2026

4. Closeup of the Theater No. 3 Ruins

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 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 28, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.