Camp Clark, Missouri
| Company type | Military installation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Military training |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Headquarters | Nevada, Missouri , United States |
Area served | Missouri National Guard |
| Products | Military training facilities and services |
| Owner | Missouri Army National Guard |
Camp Clark, Missouri is a training installation operated by the Missouri Army National Guard, situated to the east of Nevada, Missouri and encompassing an area of 1300 acres. The facility is named in honor of Harvey C. Clark, a previous state Adjutant General, and functions as a significant military site.
History
Originally founded in 1908 as the State Rifle Range, Camp Clark served as a gathering location for troops deploying to Central America and during the Mexican Border War. During World War I, it provided training to more than 10,000 soldiers from the Missouri National Guard. A photograph of the camp from 1917 is preserved by the Library of Congress.
In 1942, the site was repurposed as a Prisoner-of-war camp for Italian prisoners during World War II. Following a deadly train accident involving incoming POWs, the remaining prisoners assisted in building the camp’s infrastructure. Subsequently, German POWs were also detained at this location. Numerous former detainees returned to visit Camp Clark in the 1990s.
Missouri National Guard
At least since 1994, Camp Clark has been utilized by the Missouri National Guard as a training center and staging area prior to deployment. The site includes Field Maintenance Shop 15 and an Army Heliport identified by FAA code 35MO, which is not accessible to the public.
In 2013, modernization efforts led to the demolition of over 60 structures dating back to the 1920s; at that time, the facility contained accommodations for 456 personnel. Available amenities comprise a swimming pool, an urban combat training area, six rifle ranges, and a pistol range. With authorization, bowhunting for turkey and white-tailed deer is allowed on the grounds.