Near Tiburon in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Shipping Out and Coming Home

Fort McDowell

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 3, 2013

1. Shipping Out and Coming Home Marker

Inscription. During WW I and WW II, Fort McDowell served as a Recruit Depot and later as an overseas Discharge and Replacement Depot. While some soldiers were stationed at Fort McDowell, others were here for only a week before being shipped overseas. During their stay, they were housed, fed, drilled, played sports, watched movies and preformed maintenance and KP (kitchen patrol) duties.

With the onset of WW II, Fort McDowell became part of the San Francisco Port of Embarkation, a complex operation that staged troops for war in the Pacific. The SFPE included the Oakland Army Base, Fort Mason and Camp Stoneman.

As soldiers shipped out, the 108th WAC (Women’s Army Corp) detachment was stationed here to assist with post operations, working in the post office, motor pool, post exchange and mess hall. At the end of the war, many soldiers returning from the Pacific were discharged through Fort McDowell. December of 1945 was the busiest month with 23, 632 men passing through this post on their way home.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 51.784′ N,

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122° 25.352′ W. Marker was near Tiburon, California, in Marin County. Marker could be reached from Perimeter Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Belvedere Tiburon CA 94920, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Bowling and Dollars (a few steps from this marker); Ministering to all Faiths (a few steps from this marker); Processing People and Paper (within shouting distance of this marker); Treating the Troops (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort McDowell’s General Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort McDowell North (about 400 feet away); Over 12,000 Meals a Day Served (about 400 feet away); Guarding the Post (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tiburon.

More about this marker. Angel Island State Park is accessed by ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco. Perimeter Road is a 5 mile, mostly paved, walking/bicycle path that goes around Angel Island. This marker is located at Fort McDowell.

Also see . . . Ft. McDowell (aka East Garrison) - Angel Island Conservancy. On April 4, 1900 the name of the post on Angel
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, October 3, 2013

2. Shipping Out and Coming Home Marker
Island was officially changed from Camp Reynolds to Fort McDowell, in honor of General Irvin McDowell, who had served in the Mexican War, led the Union Army at the first battle of Bull Run... (Submitted on October 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Shipping Out and Coming Home Marker has been removed. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 30, 2022

3. Shipping Out and Coming Home Marker has been removed.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 616 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on August 2, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.