Camp Edwin F. Glenn photo
ParkIndiana, US

Camp Edwin F. Glenn

Camp Edwin F.

About

Camp Edwin F. Glenn offers a unique glimpse into America's military past.

Nestled within Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, Camp Edwin F. Glenn is a National Historic District preserving the compelling legacy of a pivotal military training and internment site. This historically rich "park" invites visitors to step back in time and explore the tangible remnants of a dynamic era, blending the serenity of a natural setting with profound historical narratives. It's a place where the echoes of drills and daily life from decades past still resonate through the preserved landscape and structures.

The site served a multitude of critical functions throughout its active years, from housing the Citizens' Military Training Camp (CMTC) and the Indiana District Headquarters for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to operating as a Military Police School during World War II. Perhaps most notably, it became a Prisoner of War (POW) camp for both Italian and German soldiers during the war, a testament to its adaptive role in national defense. Visitors can explore key surviving structures like the concrete tent pads, several warehouses, mess halls, lavatories, and the former butcher shop and dispensary, each telling a piece of its storied past.

Visiting Camp Edwin F. Glenn provides an immersive educational experience, offering a powerful connection to the lives of soldiers, cadets, and even POWs who once walked these grounds. It's a poignant reminder of changing defense needs and the resilience of those who served, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in American military history and social development. The blend of historical preservation and natural beauty within Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park ensures a memorable and reflective outing. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

Camp Edwin F. Glenn, named after former Post Commander Major General Edwin Forbes Glenn, was constructed in 1935 as a self-contained camp within the larger Fort Benjamin Harrison. Its initial purpose was to house the Citizen's Military Training Camp (CMTC), providing young men with military training that could lead to commissions as Reserve Officers. Between 1933 and 1941, it also served as the Indiana District Headquarters for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), playing a vital role in administrative and planning support for the state's CCC efforts. With the advent of World War II, Camp Glenn's utility expanded significantly, first as a Military Police School from 1941-1943, and subsequently as a Prisoner of War camp from 1944-1945, holding Italian and German captives. The camp was designed with 360 concrete tent pads, mess halls, shower buildings, a butcher shop, ice house, and mechanic's building, allowing it to function independently. In 1995, Camp Edwin F. Glenn was recognized for its historical significance and designated a National Historic District, preserving its unique architectural and historical integrity within Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park.

What to do here

Walk among the concrete tent pads, imagining the soldiers and POWs who once resided there. Explore the surviving contributing buildings, read the historical markers that detail the camp's various roles, and appreciate the scale of this former military training ground and POW camp. The site is located next to the Museum of 20th Century Warfare within Fort Harrison State Park, offering a complementary experience.

Seasonal info

While accessible year-round, spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and scenic foliage. Summers can be warm and humid, so plan accordingly. Winter visits may offer a stark, contemplative beauty but require appropriate attire for cold weather.

Accessibility

As part of a state park, trails and pathways likely exist, but specific information on wheelchair accessibility for all historical structures is not explicitly detailed. Visitors should anticipate walking on various terrains, including potentially uneven ground around the historic structures.

Don't miss

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The 360 concrete tent pads which once supported military tents, the original warehouses (some still standing and repurposed), mess halls, lavatories, the former butcher shop (Building 706), the dispensary (Building 805), and barracks buildings.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as exploration involves walking across the historical grounds.

Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as it is part of a state park.

Combine your visit with other attractions in Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, such as the Museum of 20th Century Warfare, for a comprehensive historical experience.

Look for and read the various historical markers throughout the district to fully understand the significance of each site.

Bring a camera to capture the unique historical architecture and landscape.

Check the operating hours of Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Camp Edwin F. Glenn is a National Historic District renowned for its multifaceted role in American history, serving as a Citizens' Military Training Camp, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, a World War II Military Police School, and a Prisoner of War camp for Italian and German soldiers.
Camp Edwin F. Glenn is located within Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, specifically near the park office on Glenn Road.
Yes, visitors can explore several original contributing buildings and structures at Camp Edwin F. Glenn, including concrete tent pads, warehouses, mess halls, lavatories, a butcher shop, a dispensary, and barracks, all of which are part of the National Historic District.

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