Camp Funston

CampFunstonKS-InfluenzaHospital

Camp Funston was a United States Army training camp located on Fort Riley, in the state of Kansas. Established in 1917, it played a significant role during World War I as one of the largest training camps in the United States at the time. Named after Brigadier General Frederick Funston, a Medal of Honor recipient and notable figure in the Philippine-American War, Camp Funston was instrumental in preparing American soldiers for overseas combat.

History

The establishment of Camp Funston in 1917 was part of the United States' rapid military expansion following its entry into World War I. The camp was designed to accommodate over 50,000 troops, making it one of the largest training facilities for the American Expeditionary Forces. Soldiers at Camp Funston underwent rigorous training in trench warfare, marksmanship, and military tactics, preparing them for the battlefields of Europe.

One of the most notable events in Camp Funston's history was the outbreak of the 1918 influenza pandemic, often referred to as the "Spanish Flu." The pandemic is believed to have originated in the camp, spreading quickly among soldiers and from there to the broader population, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. The outbreak at Camp Funston is a significant chapter in the study of infectious diseases and public health responses.

After World War I, Camp Funston continued to serve as a military training facility, though its prominence declined with the end of the war. During World War II, it was used for various purposes, including as a prisoner of war camp. However, its role in military training and preparation was never as significant as during World War I.

Legacy

Today, the site of Camp Funston is part of Fort Riley and serves as a reminder of the United States' military history and its role in global conflicts. The camp's contribution to the training of American soldiers for World War I is commemorated in various ways, including historical markers and exhibits at Fort Riley.

The 1918 influenza pandemic's association with Camp Funston has also left a lasting legacy in the fields of epidemiology and public health, highlighting the importance of disease prevention and control in densely populated settings such as military camps.

See Also

• Fort Riley
• 1918 Influenza Pandemic
• World War I
• American Expeditionary Forces