FT McLellan

• Establishment: Fort McClellan was established in 1917 near Anniston, Alabama, serving as a major training base during both World Wars. • Name Origin: The fort was named after Major General George B. McClellan, a prominent Union Army leader during the American Civil War. • World War I Role: It served as a mobilization and training center for the 29th and 37th Divisions during World War I. • Chemical Corps Training: Fort McClellan became the home of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps School, making it the central hub for training in chemical warfare defense. • Women's Army Corps: The Women's Army Corps (WAC) School was moved to Fort McClellan in 1952, and thousands of women trained there until the WAC was disbanded in 1978. • Vietnam Era: During the Vietnam War, the fort was used extensively for training troops being deployed to Southeast Asia. • Environmental Impact: Parts of Fort McClellan were contaminated with chemical agents and hazardous materials, leading to a significant EPA Superfund cleanup after its closure. • Closure: The fort was officially closed in 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, ending over 80 years of military use. • Legacy: Portions of the former fort have been transformed into public spaces, including the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge and McClellan Development Authority. • Ghost Stories: Fort McClellan is rumored to be haunted, with various reports of paranormal activity attributed to its long and eventful history.