The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-07-02
Camp Murray
Mecca for
State Guard
Hos Been Troining
Area for w. N. G..
Since 1890

units and summer enramp-
ment for the entire North
west. beautiful Camp Murray
is the mecca of Washingtons
militia.
Situated on the shores ~ Ameri-
can Lake. less than 20 strategic
miles from Tacoma and the Mar
rows bridge. Camp Murray has
heen the National Guards train
ing area since 1900
The first National Guard
encampmcnt WAS conducted on
the expansive farm lands Of
the Murray brothers, pioneers
who settled the vicinity In tho
middle Of the last century.
Each summer sinc that time.
the citizen soldiers OF Washington
have gratefully noted marked i'm
provements in the constantly
growing quasi.military post. Re-
peatedly praised by military and
civilian officials. Camp Murray
hasks in the glory Of a well-earn-
ed record OF achievement.
In 1908. the state legislature
appropriated s. 5000 10 purchase
a permanent militia reservation
upon the martially-perfeot wooded
prairies on the southern border Of
Tacoma. Since then-with certain
minor additions and deductions
go acres OF state land constitute
Camp Murray.
However. Washington National
Guard units have virtually m
! restricted access TO all the acreage
and facilities Of vast Fort Lewis.
thereby having at their disposal
more than 10000 acres and in
oaloulably important training
equipment which would otherwlse
be far beyond the means of any
state militia.
Camp Murray was employed as
a mobilization point or training
center for all Washington men
entering federal service during the
Spanish-American war. the Mexi-
can war and World war I.
Important Role
Its peace-time operation. how
ever. has been spectacular for the
military training Of civilians
role of ever-increasing Importance
in view OF tempestuous modern
times.
Unified under Brig. Gen.
Maurice Thompson, comman-
dant Of the National Guard
and adjutant general Of Camp
Murray, the Washington
guard consists Of 1900 men.
500 Officers and 1000 inactive
r~eservists. or that total, 500
officers and men are Ia
comans.
Headquarters for the admins
tration Of that huge personnel II
at Camp Murray. Management OF
the National Guard ~ a full-time
job for a staff Of so civilian and
military employees
Commander Since 1914
Gen. Thompson has commanded
the Washington National Guard
as adjutant general since 1914 and
recently celebrated the 25th ami
versary Of his appointment
He has served through all
grades from private to first SER
geant Of Company y. Second
Washington Infantry, and m the
commissioned ranks 10 major be-
fore he became adjutant general.
Through various state sdmini-
STATIONS he held office until call
cd into federal service In 1918.
On Jan. /. 1920. he resumed his
former post and has served con-
tinuously TO become the senior
adjutant general Of the entire
United States.
Active In Summer
Ioudest hum Of activity at
Camp Murray Is heard during the
summer months. Then are muster
ed for field training the troops OF
infantry. field artillery and aux
Hilary units Of the 4lst National
Guard division. which embraces
the state force. OF Washington.
Oregon. Idaho and Montana.
This wear the war gsm~s
will be the biggest ever, and
will he conducted from Aug.
10 -. Nearly $4,000 men will
engage In the gigantic man
eUsers.
Operating from the Camp Muir
ray headquarters IN addition 10
the 4lst National Guard division
will be troops from California,
Wyoming Utah and Nevada.
Stimulating var-tim. industry.
at that time Camp Murray will
be used 20 oapacity-the state
arsenal, repair shops. mechanical
equipment, snti-aircraft and field
guns. mess halls. parade grounds.
huge warehouses. athletic fields,
firing ranges. TENT. American
Lake beaches. Us woods and roll
ing plains.
Striking Contrast
In striking contrast Wa the
FIRST National Guard encampment
at Camp Murray: 20 officers and
4e2 enlisted mem
As a result Of such marked
growth IN personnel. physical
growth Of Camp Murray has obyf-
ously been necessary and IN all
probability Will continue To be-
come yer more ~.
Current construction and
building projects on the r..er-
walton approximate $4,000.
or that amount. about 500. 900
has . allotted ~ the federal
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