Centennial

Editorial: At 100, Fort Jackson remains vital to U.S. Army, Columbia and S.C.

Rappelling at Fort Jackson
It’s frightful to think what living in the Midlands would be like today without Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest basic training facility. The base creates jobs, sends soldiers to volunteer in our community, brings positive publicity, attracts thousands of visitors annually, and beckons military retirees to move here after their active duty days are over.

On Saturday, Fort Jackson will officially launch its yearlong centennial celebration with the annual Army Birthday Ball at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

All Deploying Sailors Train at Fort Jackson

Sailors training at Fort Jackson NIACT
CAMP McGRADY, S.C. — Located in the backwoods outside of Columbia, Camp McCrady was not what I expected. What I expected was Fort Jackson, a large sprawling Army post which graduates an Army basic training class every week and that 35,000 potential soldiers pass through each year. Instead as we drive through the security gates, I saw an unassuming base centered on a quad where the Navy trains sailors bound for the war zone.

100 Years park plans celebrate Fort Jackson's centennial

Fort Jackson centennial park plans

August 20, 2015; By Mr. Robert Timmons (IMCOM)
A group of South Carolina business and community leaders announced plans Tuesday to build a park commemorating the 100th anniversary of Fort Jackson.
The group plans to break ground next summer at an unspecified location on Fort Jackson. The park would open in time for centennial celebrations in 2017.