Camp Mercedes
Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In March 1917, prior to U.S. entry into World War I, Maj. Gen. John J. Pershing chose Mercedes as the site of a permanent camp for training personnel to serve overseas in France. Construction of Camp Mercedes on the 80-acre Emerson Farm tract southeast of town was completed in April 1917. The post centered on a parade ground lined by 23 barracks buildings and 14 look-alike officers bungalows. Post strength was 16 officers, 700 men and 600 horses. A training cadre from the 16th Cavalry under the command of Col. W.S. Scott occupied Camp Mercedes in May before the first recruits arrived May 17. After the Armistice, the unit was demobilized and Camp Mercedes closed in 1922. (2012)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In March 1917, just before the United States entered World War I, Gen. John J. Pershing selected Mercedes for a permanent camp to train troops bound for France. Completed that April on the 80-acre Emerson Farm tract, Camp Mercedes centered on a parade ground ringed by 23 barracks and 14 identical officers' bungalows, garrisoning 16 officers, 700 men and 600 horses. A cavalry cadre occupied it in May before recruits arrived, and after the Armistice the post was demobilized and closed in 1922.
Why it matters
It marks how the Rio Grande Valley, already militarized by border tensions, became a staging ground for the vast mobilization that sent American soldiers to the Western Front.
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Related people
- · John J. Pershing
Related events
- · World War I
Themes & tags
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