Fort Hood (Killeen, Texas)

Killeen · Texas · World War II

Quick BriefAnnounced by the War Department in January 1942 and completed by August that year, Camp Hood originated from the U.S. Army's urgent need to train tank destroyer units for World War II combat against German armored forces. The facility officially opened on 18 September 1942. It was permanently redesignated Fort Hood on 15 April 1950, and has remained one of the largest armored training centers in the world.

Active base today

History & Significance

Lieutenant General Andrew D. Bruce selected Killeen, Texas as the site for a Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center, announced to the public in January 1942. An initial acquisition of 180,000 acres was made, with an estimated cost of $22.8 million for land, facilities, and infrastructure.

Approximately 300 farming and ranching families were displaced to make room for the installation. Original facilities housed and trained nearly 38,000 troops.

At the end of 1942, about 45,000 troops trained at Camp Hood, peaking at almost 95,000 by late June 1943. In January 1943, additional acreage was acquired in Bell and Coryell counties for North Camp Hood, which eventually housed nearly 40,000 troops and 4,000 German prisoners of war.

From March 1944 onward, the focus shifted to field artillery and infantry replacement training, with the Infantry Center eventually hosting 31,545 troops. Camp Hood was permanently redesignated as Fort Hood in 1950 following the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War expansion needs. Today, Fort Hood stands as the largest active-duty armored post in the United States, home to nearly 40,000 Soldiers, continuing its legacy of training heavy forces since 1942.