Fort Jackson was created in 1917 as Camp Jackson as the U.S. entered World War I. The site was announced by Douglas MacArthur, who was then a major but became one of the most famous generals in American history.
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce raised $50,000 to purchase former Hampton Estate. Residents donated 1,192 acres. And the federal government purchased 19,700 acres and leased thousands more for the facility.
Read more of Jeff Wilkinson's article at The State newspaper's website http://www.thestate.com/news/special-reports/state-125/