Great Lakes in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fighting Tradesmen
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
1. Fighting Tradesmen Marker
During World War I, the Public Works Department at Great Lakes was tasked with the original construction of new facilities. Originally, Public Works was to use local civilian contractors. The problem, however, was that patriotic tradesmen joined the armed forces in such numbers at Great Lakes that there were not enough qualified civilians to meet local construction needs. Captain Moffett and the Public Works Officer looked to new recruits with construction skills as a solution to the problem. As their numbers increased, they needed a military structure and soon acquired regimental status, becoming the Twelfth Regiment (Public Works). Tradesmen initially spent three or four months at Great Lakes before transferred to sea duty or deploying to other commands.
They became known as the “Fighting Tradesmen” because of their outstanding performance and were a precursor to the World War II “Fighting Seabees”.
Erected by Naval Station Great Lakes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education •
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Location. 42° 18.705′ N, 87° 50.413′ W. Marker is in Great Lakes, Illinois, in Lake County. Marker is on Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in the Historic District of Naval Station Great Lakes. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Lakes IL 60088, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Base Realignment and Closure (here, next to this marker); Wings over Great Lakes (here, next to this marker); Great Lakes History Trail (here, next to this marker); Women at Great Lakes (here, next to this marker); The Post War Era (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); Great Lakes Athletics (here, next to this marker); The Golden Thirteen (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Lakes.
Also see . . . Great Lakes Naval Museum. (Submitted on November 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
2. Aviation Metalsmith School Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
3. Blacksmith Shop Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
4. Camp Construction Photo on Marker
[Caption reads] Recruits construct temporary Barracks at Camp Barry, June 14, 1918.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
5. Construction Photo Detail on Marker
Some recruits worked harder than others.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
6. Fighting Tradesmen Marker
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 14, 2021
7. Naval Station Great Lakes
Station website homepage
Click for more information.
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Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 745 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 7. submitted on June 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
