The Texas in the Civil War Message Board - Archive

Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory

A National Guard Training Camp named for Civil War General John A. Logan, established in July of 1917, employed thousands of Houston residents who built roads, wooden warehouses, offices, mess halls, stables, showers and canvas topped sleeping quarters in the woods West of the turn in Washington Road. Completed in 1918, Camp Logan trained over 30,000 infantry and artillery soldiers and contributed approximately $60,000 a week to the Houston economy.

After the Armistice, Camp Logan was designated a demobilization center and convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. The campÆs American Red Cross building served as a charity hospital until the site was sold to the city in 1924 by the Hogg family to become Memorial Park honoring the soldiers of World War I.

But, it is the rainy night of August 23, 1917 for which Camp Logan is most remembered. In a reversal of decision by the War Department to refrain from sending black troops into the South for training or tours of duty, the Third Battalion 24th US Infantry comprised of 645 black soldiers and 8 white officers was stationed to guard Camp Logan during itÆs construction. Following weeks of racial insults, there was fear in the camp that a mob attack had been launched by white Houstonians after a city policeman was suspended for brutally attacking Charles W. Baltimore, a black military police officer. In an ensuing confrontation twenty people were killed including black and white soldiers, police officers and civilians. The battalion was immediately transferred to New Mexico where 118 of the soldiers were arrested, charged with murder and mutiny and tried by General Court Martial. Although none were individually identified as participants, 110 men were convicted and 13 were executed.

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Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Re: Camp Logan, Texas or Indian Territory
Camp Logan, Camp Roff; Indian Territory or Texas
Re: Camp Logan, Camp Roff; Indian Territory or Tex