Fort Benjamin Harrison

Fort Benjamin Harrison was a U.S. Army post located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, Indiana, named for the 23rd United States President, Benjamin Harrison. Land was purchased in 1903, with the post officially being named for President Harrison in honor of Indianapolis being his hometown.

Fort Benjamin Harrison saw its highest level of activity during World War I and World War II. It was the largest WWII reception center in the United States. From 1948 to 1950, the post functioned as Benjamin Harrison Air Force Base before the U.S. Army reacquired it.

Just prior to the fort's closing, it was the home of DINFOS or the Defense Information School. This was comprised of enlisted personnel and officers from all branches of the US military along with members of allied military personnel. DINFOS trained print, radio and television personnel to report all manner of military activities. A very difficult curriculum, DINFOS (currently located at Fort Meade in Maryland) was and still is a very taxing curriculum.

Fort Benjamin Harrison was closed as part of the 1991 Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Though most of the active component was housed there through the end of 1992. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service - Indianapolis is still located at the former post, as well as several U.S. Army Reserve and Indiana National Guard units.

Today, the site of the base has been largely redeveloped, and includes residential neighborhoods, a golf course, and Fort Harrison State Park.

References

1. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2006-03-15).

External links

• Benjamin Harrison Reuse Authority

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