HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ2023-137DATE: April IO.2O23
TO: Historic Landmark Commission
FROM: Elayna Luckey, Planner I
SUBJECT: Arequest fora Certificate of Appropriateness to relocate aWorld War
nnonurneML
FILE: PZ2023-I37
STAFF REPORT
The City of Beaumont, requests permission to relocate the World War |monumentcurrently
located |ndowntown Beaumont within the h ofMain Street. The proposed location
for the monument is within the front entry ofthe historically accredited Magnolia cemetery
located at 2290 Pine Street.
Magnolia Cemetery has served Southeast Texas for over one hundred twenty years (120)
provided its founder William McFaddin, a pioneer and Texas War for Independence Veteran,
who deeded approximately two acres of his land to the Town of Beaumont in 1876. The
prominent display of the monument will be within the entrance of Magnolia Cemetery and will
provide the visual presence and accessibility that its current location of a City right-of-way
lacks. With understanding that over two hundred thousand (200,000) Texans served in the
military during World War 1, housing the monument where many veterans of that war are laid
iorest seems appropriate.
Staff recommends approval of the request.
Neither property is listed in the SPARE Beaumont survey.
Exhibits are attached.
February 24, 2023
Kenneth Williams, City Manager
City of Beaumont
501 Main Street
Beaumont, TX 77701
Dear Mr. Will innis,
Magnolia Cemetery has been committed to Honoring our deceased, preserving 011r past and Planning for the
con t 'I n ued haven that 'i's sacred and welcoming. 17 5 years ago, t h e McFad d i n fancily established the graveya rd on
their personal plot. The first recorded burial is ' of W1 I I iam McFa(ld i n's son John, filled during the Civ i I War in
1863. The Board of Directors and team at Magnolia Cenietety are committed to the perpetual care of not only
every plot, but promoting the histoty and the significance of the cemetery and it is relevant in our commimity.
Honoring the deceased veterans is of particular importance to Wgnolia Cemetuy with special markers, burial
sections and designated days for tours and remembrances. "me first soldier killed in WWI is buried in our
cemetery, and all but to soldiers fr-om our area are buried with us as well. In our growing partnerships with
several community organizations, particularly the Jefferson County Historica 4mw 1 Comission, e have great into
in the WWI monument currently located downtown in the city easement on Main Street at Mulberry and Liberty
Street in front of the old Beaumont Enterprise building. At its current location the building development
su rro u n d i jig it has grown and the m o n u i n en t itself is tucked back without the fo cu s a nd' presence we b 0 1 leve it was
i n tei i ded to lave 10 0 yea rs ago and still deserves today.
We a re req tiesting your co n s iderat ion to relocate the WW1 in onu ment to the ent ra n ce of the M agn ol i a Cemeteiy,
Placed ire the center 'is la nd of the cem eteq n ear the flag boles, This location h I gh I ights o u r va I u e a nd respect for
a I I the veterans bu ried with its. The History and s i gn i fica nce of this mem bria I w i I I he fe Rt U I'M in o u r regular tours,.
11MISletters and general information in the promotion of our mission.
We are eager and' filling to accept the WWI monument and faithfully serve as its custodian.
Thank you for your attention to the continued growth and awareness of markers that highlight what has made the
Beauniont community special in the past and in the present. Together we can place them in locations that serve
their Intended purpose of awareness, reverence and gratitude.
Please contact Lis should you have any questions or concerns that we can address to move fonvard in our shared
Vision.
Sincerely,
C 11 14LYz
Kelli Ma ess
Magnolia qijjetery
cc: Chris Boone, Assistant City Manager
Demi Engm-nn, Planning Manager
2 201 Pine ,street # B e a um o nt, TX 77703 1 www. m a g n o I i a ce m ete ry.o rg - Pig: 409.832.5741 4 Fax: 409,832.79 03
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TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
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WORLD WAR I SPECIAL EDITION
ON THE COVER: A rKyork from 19 18 shoot music, courtesy
Library of Congress.
Learn about WWI training at Carruthers Field near Fart Worth. PAGE E
IN
WWI Centennial
Event Held at State Capitol
0 n April 6, the Great War took center
stage on the Texas State Capital's
Great Wa1kL
A ceremonial event marked the
100th anniversary of America's formal
entry into World War 1. The ceremony
in Austin featured state officials and
guest speakers, World War I living
historians, and artifacts from the war
including trench periscopes, a 1914
British Lewis Gun, and other weaponry.
The Texas Historical Commission
(THC) helped organize the event with
the Texas World War I Centennial
Commemoration (TXWWICC), the
Texas Military Forces Museum, and
the Texas Military Department. The
THC also launched a new mobile app
tour, "World War 1: Texas and the Great
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
11,r-ME.DAI LION
,SPPJNG 2017
ISSN 0890-7595
Vol. 553 No, I I
thcaex2s.gov
the @tlic.tex2z.gov
TEXAS BISTORICAL COMMISSION
John L. Blau, III
Chairman
John W Crain
Vice Chairman
Gilbert E. "Pete" Peterson
Secretary
Earl Broussard, Jr.
Tom Perini
Monica Burdette
Robert K. Shepard
Wallace B. Jefferson
Daisy Sloan White
Mark Wolfe
Executive Director
-Aferfallion STAFF
Chris Florance
Division Director
Andy Rhodes
Managing Editor
Judy Jensen
Sr. Graphic Design Coordinator
thc.texas.gov
Real places telling the real
stories of Texas
texastimetravel.com
The Texas Heritage Trails
Program's travel resource
texas histor icsites.com
The TIAC's 21 state
historic properties
thcfriends.org
Friends of the Texas
Historical Commission
War," which features dynamic images,
videos, and maps to help travelers
discover Texas' important role in
the war. The free app is available
at texashistoryapp.com.
During the event, Capitol visitors
and school groups paused along the
Great Walk to interact with living
historians from the Texas Military
Forces Museum. Guest speakers
included Rep. Rick Miller (R-Sugar
Land), Son. Donna Campbell (R-New
Braunfels), THC Executive Director
Mark Wolfe, and the TXWWICC's
Michael D. VisBona ge.
For more information about
commemorating the Great War's
centennial, visit thr,.texas.gov/wwi
or texaswo rl dwarl c e nte n n 1 a 1. o rg.
till. �Y�i4'�,'S�.r�
lop I
Visitors talk to living historians at the WWI
centennial event at the State Capitol on April 6.
MISM I-MO14 ffAV91111111156101 I&I atile rev-11126111VA
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, OUR COUNTRY
entered World War 1. Not surprisingly, Texans were at the
forefront of the war effort with nearly I million residents
of our state registering for the draft.
Texas also played a significant role by hosting dozens
of training facilities, which allowed thousands of brave
soldiers to prepare for set -vice to their country. These
contributions helped our great nation emerge victorious)
resulting in the United States becoming a world power for
the past century.
Last year, I appointed the Texas Historical
Commission as the lead state agency to memorialize
the World War I centennial with assistance from the
Texas World War I Centennial Conimemoration. volunteer
group. Their efforts have resulted in well -attended
conferences, valuable educational resources, and even
this commemorative issue of 77je Medallion.
Ihese honorable- efforts help remind us that nearly
200,000 Texans served in the military during World Wax I.
Tragically, more than 5,000 Texans died in set -vice. Their
tombstones —and those of countless World War I veterans
Nvho were native Texans or who trained here —rest in
hundreds of cemeteries across the state.
Reminders of the World War I era and its enduring
impact on the Lone Star State are still visible across Texas.
The war's influence is commemorated in our state' s military
installations, granite monuments, historical markers,
and parks.
I encourage you to visit these sites to pay your respects
to the heroes of World War 1. By doing so, yo0l honor
the legacy of the soldiers who served Texas and our great
nation., allowing us to en)oy the freedoms we value so
much today. -
Sincerely,
Greg Abbott
Governor of Texas
THC,TEXAS.GOV SPRING 2017 THE MEDALLION 3
I Lone Star Legacy
I Texas Experienced Effects of the 'War That Will End War'
By Lila Rakoczy
THC Military Sites Program Coordinator
President Woodrow
WilsoiA 1916 re-election
campaign slogan —He
Kept Us Out of War —
wasn't accurate for long.
just one inondi after
his 'inauguration, on April ,
1917, the United States
would find itself joining the
((Great Me' that had been
■
I
raging since 19 1 . A had
already brought powerful
empires to their knees.
Texas experienced its fair share of the
war ) s effects. Nearly 200,000 men served
in the military, with thousands more
.laboring on the home front in agriculture,
shipbuilding, and timber. City
populations swelled: Beaumont doubled
and Port Aithur tripled in size by the
end of the decade, Nvbile places like San
Antonio and Fort Worth cemented their
status as nationally important centers of
aviation. Social change permeated many
aspects of the Lone Star State, mosc
notably in the form of women!s suffrage
and alcohol prohibition —the Nvinds of
wax would help bring about both.
By its end in 1918, the "war that will
end war," as author H.G. Wells famously
put it, would transform the world. It
unleashed industrialized warfare on an
unprecedented scale, killed and wounded
millions, weakened or destroyed global
powers, and forced the United States
further into political isolationism.
Like all the combatant nations,
America did not emerge unscathed.
In a short aniount of time, 4.7 million
American men were mobilized, from
a peacetime standing military of
100,000. Over 116,000 would die
in the conflict —a further 200,000
were wounded.
J
Soldiers participette in bayonet practice at Fort Worth's Camp
Bowie ca. 1918.
On the home front, the Espionage
and Sedition Acts of 1917 and 191
mi8
cri0 nalized anti -war dissent and made life
difficult for Americans with complicated —
or downright hostile—fectings about
their country's 'involvement in what some
thought of as a "rich man's war, poor ma_rA
fight." Wilson's appeal to make the "World
safe for democracy" was questioned by
the millions of Americans who continued
to be afforded little or no democracy,
especially in the Jinn Crow South.
In many ways, the First World War
is a forgotten war. A 2014 YouGov poll
revealed that w1ifle three quarters of
Americans believe the history of World
War I is relevant today, only half can
correctly identify when it began, and only
a little over a third know when the U.S.
entered it.
Ue Texas Historical Commission
(THC) seeks to change that. Designated
by Governor Abbott in 2016 as the
lead state agency to commemorate the
centennial of America's entry into the war,
the THC will spend the next two years
highlighting the stories of everyday
Texans, both at horde and abroad, who
brought change to the world —and
were in turn forever changed by their
wartitne experiences.
ON,
El Pa
LONE STAR LIECY MAP KEY WM
100
V It A #11
El Texas facilities hosted
training for WWI pilots
in 1917-18
Texas sites hosting WWI -related exhibits
Air Force Base
7 -71
-
4 THE MEDALLION SPRING 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISS[ON
This map shows a sampling of how World
War I impacted all corners of Texas. Its
legacy is accessible today throughout
the Lone Star State. From exhibits to
monuments to archives, resources related
to the Great War provide information about
local and statewide contribullons. The THC
VIVY01,
features a list of these ongoing attractions
at thc.texas,gov/WWI
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THC.TEXAS.GOV SPRING 2017 TIHE MEDALLION 5
Restored Armament
Among Central Texas' Resurrected WWI Attractions
Until this year's 1 00th anniversary of America's entry into
World War 1, many Texans didn't give the Great War much
thought. Now that commemorative events are being held
across the state, World War I will receive the recognition
and respect befitting the conflict once dubbed the 0 war that
w III end war"
Texans contributed to the war's efforts in great
numbers, and this legacy is honored throughout the Lone
Star State with monuments and exhibits at museums,
research centers, and universities. The Texas Historical
Commission's (THG) contributions include
developing a website,
q., IL I
war-themed historical markers, commemorative editions of
The Medallion, and a mobile tour showcasing stories and
cultural attractions, available at lexashistoryapp.corn.
Two of these stories focus on Central Texas museums
with vintage World War I equipment restored to working
condition. One documents an, extremely rare Army tank at
the Museum of the American G.I. near College Station. The
1918 French Renault FT-1 7 is considered the world's first
modern tank — its configuration and revolving turret set the
standard for tank design that remains today.
"This is the only running FT-1 7 in North America,"
says Brent Mullins, the museum's president and CEO.
"I've been working oil it a few years to get it ready in time
for the centennial. 3$
Mullins adds that after the war, 99 per-
cent of these tanks were either scrapped
or modified for World War 11. His was one of
the few to be surplussed. In the late 1920s,
it wound up in Northern Michigan, where a
company used it to build roads and clear
snow. A local resident eventually bought the tank,
which stayed in his family for decades.
"Those of us interested in this kind of
rare equipment knew about it, so I called hire
out of the blue in 2004," Mullins says. "He said he
Above: The WWI -era hangar from Fort Sam Houston is
being reconstructed at the Pioneer Flight Museum,
Left: The museum's Fokker DO.
6 THE MEDALUON
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
was just about to sell it,
so we worked out a price.
It was a bit more than I'd
planned to pay, but I had
to got it. I think this tank
is priceless."
As the World War I
centennial approached,
Mullins vowed to get the
tank running again. He
worked with several people
in Europe to get information
and parts (including
the oak wheels), and
consulted an original
FT-1 7 material guide to
replicate the camouflage.
"Two American tank
battalions saw early combat
in Franceonewas the
345th, and that number
was printed on the back of
this tank," Mullins explains.
"Sol it's very plausible that
this tank saw combat in
France with U.S, service-
men. Now we have it at
the museum, and it's going
to be preserved forever.
I believe it's a priceless
American artifact."
The tank and other
Freeman notes that the
plane's fuselage, a wire -
braced wood truss, was
typically covered by fabric
and plywood. The SE-5A
was considered one
of the fastest, most
maneuverable biplane
dogfighters of the war.
European manufacturers
produced more than 5,000
of these planes, which
featured a synchronized
machine gun and wing -
mounted gun, and were the
first to be equipped with a
pilot -adjustable tail -plane.
The museum features
several additional World
War I -era planes on site;
most of them are in
running condition and take
to the skies during special
events held throughout
the year. A highlight is
EJ
the mngsDury-
branded
,P pn";Ir 0
do
IN,
barnstormer
Curtiss Canuck,
which the U.S.
Top: Vintage vehicles and aircraft are
Army used
on d'1qn1nv at Kinnsh"ry'.q Kinnear Right
Museum. Above: Tho only running FT-1 7 1
functioning vehicles from in North Arnerica is at the Museum the war were on display Inset: A WWI military ID card.
April 7 at a World War I centennial event hosted by the
Museum of the American G.I. (americangimuseurn.com,
979-446-6888).Mullins claims the museum or the
most World War I artifacts in Texas, and many of them
are featured in a special exhibit running through 2019.
Taking a similar approach to restoring vintage equipment
to operational status is Kingsbury's Pioneer Flight Museum
(ploneerflightmuseum.org, 830-639-4644). The facility
showcases early aviation covering three main eras: Pioneer,
World War 1, and the Golden Age (roughly 1918—
1939). One of the museum's most striking objects
is a World War I -era hangar from San Antonio's
Fort Sam Houston. The hangar, which the
Army relocated several times, is currently
being reconstructed on site, and will even -
Wally serve as the main museum building.
Another notable restoration project is a
World War 1-era Royal Aircraft SE-5A. Museum
Director Roger Freeman has rebuilt planes for
decades —starting with an original Thomas Morse
S4G Scout with his father but the SE-5A is
especially rewarding for him.
of
the
ank extensively in
American G. 1. Texas to train
American and
Canadian pilots, Another eye-catcher is a triplane known
as the Fokker Dr.l. The Fokker was one of the most famous
fighter planes of World War I due to its association with the
feared German ace Baron Manfred von Richthofen, aka the
Red Baron.
"World War I doesn't get as much attention as World War
113 and that's kind of a shape," Mullins says. "It's almost too late
now, but I'm glad we have the
centennial to remind
people of this signifi-
RIF cant event in world
history."
The Museum
of the American
A G.I. features
vintage WWI
equipment, including
this Puleaux cannon.
SPRING
2017 THE MEDALLION 7
Learning to Fly
Texas Airfields Played Important Roles in World War I Aviation Training
By Jim Hodgson
Executive Director, Fort Worth Aviation Museum
When the United
States entered
the Great War
in April 1917,
conflict in Europe
had been raging
for 32 months.
By all accounts,
the nation was
unprepared in
terms of men,
equipment,
training, aiid
combat experience
to be an effective
partner in
defeating Germany
and its allies.
Nowhere Nvas
this more evident
than in the training
Aviation Section entirely
of the U.S. Army
Signal Corps. In the front."
his 1931 book
My .Ce
res
in the World War,
Gen. John Pershing recalled:
"Of the 65 officers and about
1,000 men in the Air Service, there
were 35 officers who could fly. With the
exception of five or six officers, none of
them could have met the requirements
of modern battle conditions and none
had any experience with aircraft guns,
bombs, or bombing devices, We had
some 55 training airplanes in various
conditions of usefulness, all entirely
widiout wax equipment mid valueless for
service at the front."
By 1918, the U.S. was considerably
more prepared, tha-nks in part to Texas
resources. Hundreds of airplanes and
servicemen were housed at training fields
"Of the 65 officers and about 1,000 men in the Air Service,
there were 35 officers who could fly...,We had some
airplanes in various conditions of usefulness, all
without war equipment and valueless for service at
Gen. John Persh
across the Lone Star State. Texas bases
provided training for flying, bombing,
aerial gunnery, aircraft repair, and
other duties.
This assistance was set in motion
when the Air Service ana Royal Flying
Corps Canada (RFQ developed plans
in May 1917 for thee. Canadians to train
pilots and ground support personnel to
Inmi 10 squadrons for the Air Service.
In exchange for their support, the RFC
could continue training at fields in the
U.S. during the harsh Canadian Nvinters.
During the summer of 1917, the
RFC began training Air Service pilots
and ground support personnel alongside
Canadian, British, and Americmi
airmen of the RFC.
Over a five-day period
in November 1917,
the IUC moved its
training program and
254 aircraft to Texas,
where it continued
cadet training during
the winter of 1917-18.
Two training wings of
five squadrons each and
their School of Aerial
Gunnery occupied
three Fort Worth -area
fields {Barron near
Everman, Carruthers
at -Denbrook., and
Taliaferro 12 miles
55 north of Fort Worth
near Hicks Station).
Ihe 10 American
squadrons that began
training in Canada
left Fort Worth for
England and France
n g between Deceinber 1917
and March 1918.
When the Royal Air Force (W)
returned to Canada in April 1918 (the
RFC Nvas renamed at that time), it had
logged 67,000 flying hours and trained
12552 RAF pi -lots, 408 Air Service
pilots, 1,719 RAF ground support
personnel, and 2,500 Air Service ground
support personnel. The RAF also lost 39
members to aviation accidents and other
causes. Eleven members are buried in the
Royal Flying Corps Cemetery in Fort
Worth 's Greenwood Memorial Park.
Aviation activity also provide d an
economic influx for Texas communities
that hosted training facilities. The U.S.
Congress appropriated a mind -boggling
sum of $640 million for aviation
8 THE MEDALLION SPRING 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMWSSION
($11 billion in todays dollars). The
Air Set -vice set about the seemingly
impossible task of building an air force
from scratch to meet the demands of the
Allies in Europe. Its initial tasks were
to create a network of training schools
and flying fields; develop curriculum
for pilot training and technical support
sUls to assemble and maintain aircraft,
engines, and other combat equipment;
and acquire training airplanes and
instructors. There was no shortage
of recruits.
The training program they
developed evolved through ground
schools and primary pilot training,
then moved to advanced training in
pursuit, bombers, and observation
aircraft. The Air Service created Schools
of MilitaxyAeronautlics (SMA) at eight
LLniversities to provide ground training
for prospective pilots.
Far left-, A crew poses at Barron Field near Fort Worth.
Left, top: The No. 84 Canadian Training Squadron aircraft at Carruthers Field
near Fort Worth was Capt. Vernon Castle's airplane.
Left, bottom - A 19 18 newspaper from Tall aferfo Field ch roriclos the heroic deed S
of its former trainees.
The University of Texas
at Austin hosted one of those
Schools, which was largely
staffed by college faculty
members who taught courses
on aeronaudes, engines, and
meteorology. Army instructors
provided basic military training
to the new recruits. Penn
Field was also established near
Austin's St. Edwards College to
support die SNIA program; it carfuthe
later became an aviation ractio
training school operated by
the University.
Camp Dick on the Texas State
Fairgrounds in Dallas was established
to temporarily house recruits from the
ground training schools until they could
be assigned to one of the flying training
fields. Initial phases of gunnery training
were also conducted there.
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By early 19 18, the A! r Service
had constructed 28 aviation fields to
support its training program. Each field
occupied about one square mile and was
built using a standard layout and set of
plans for hangars, barracks, mess halls,
classrooms., repair shops, a hospital, mid
other support buildings to accommodate
up to 400 cadets. Each field cost around
$1 million, required over 4 million
As space becwne
feet: ot lumber, and employed More
available, candidates were
than 700 carpenters and 1,200 other
assigned to one of the
Nvorkers during die typical eight -week
pninary aviation fields
construction phase.
for flying training.
'ben the wa-r ended in November
The fields also trained
1918, the Army Air Service had five
ground support personnel
ground schools, 14 primary flying
to maintain, repair, and
training fields, three observer training
overhaul aircraft, engines,
fields, two bomber training fields, two
mid other aviation -related
pursuit pilot training fields, five aerial
equipment. Specialized
gunnery and bombing training fields,
schools Nvere also
and two instructor training fields.
created to teach radio,
For more information about aviation
aerial photography,
history and related resources in Texas
and meteorology.
during World War 1, visit thc.texas.gov/
VWJmarkers. *
T r HC.TEXAS.GOV
SPRING 2017 THE MEDALLION 9
Cam 71,oga Mt,-tu_�, 11,7_. f A
P
Houston Riot Impacted U.S. Mobilization in World War I
By Lila Rakoczy
THC Military Sites Program Coordinator
Houston's Memorial Park gives little
indication today that it once hosted
a military camp, let alone one that
sparked one of the most tragic military
mutinies in American history. And yet,
the event that would become known as
the Camp Logan Mutiny —or to some,
the Houston Riot —would have a deep
impact on how America mobilized for
the First World War.
War fever gripped the nation in
1917. Houston civic leaders saw an
opportunity, and successfully lobbied
to host a new National Guard training
camp. To protect
the site during its
construction, the
War Department
amidst heavy
criticism —sent the
3rd Battalion of
the 24th Infantry
Regiment, an
African American
[UyUldl d1lily unit
ofsea soned
military veterans.
Six hundred and forty-five men
took up temporary residence near Camp
Logan. Relations were immediately
tense: the soldiers resented racial slurs
directed at them by white workiinen at
the camp's construction site, as well
as segregation restrictions in the camp
and city. To placate the local white
population, soldiers who went into
Houston —even military police —were
denied the right to carry weapons.
August 23, 1917
Matters came to a head when two
Houston police officers disturbed a dice
game and burst into a citizen's home
to search for the suspects. When the
African American resident objected, a
police officer dragged her into the street
in her undergarments.
A nearby army private, Alonzo
Edwards, tried to peacefully intervene
and was pistol whipped and arrested.
Later, an African American military
policeman inquired after Edwards
and was similarly beaten and
arrested. By evening, erroneous
rumors reached the camp that police
had killed Cpl. Charles Baltimore.
On November 29, a verdict
was returned: Forty-one men were
sentenced to hard labor, four to shorter
prison sentences, and five acquitted.
Thirteen were sentenced to death. The
condemned men were not told their fate
until two days before their execution;
nor was time permitted to appeal for
clemency. Instead, the execution was
hastily carried out before dawn. Their
request to be shot was denied. The
gallows upon which they were hanged
were gone by the time news broke to
the public.
The U.S. government placed 63 soldiers on trial at Fort Sam Houston's Gift Chapel after the
Houston Riot.
Pandemonium ensued. Most of
the garrison followed orders to stay
and, fearing the worst, prepared fora
possible attack. Perhaps as many as
a quarter of them grabbed arms and
headed into the city. In the resulting
violence, several Houstonians were
wounded and 17 killed. Among the
dead were five police officers. As dawn
broke, Gov. James Ferguson declared
martial law in the city.
Court Martial and Sentence
Confusion over which soldiers
had participated did not deter the
government from charging 63 men.
Everyone pleaded not guilty, and shared
just one lawyer among them.
Aftermath
The fallout of
the events had
far-reaching
consequences.
Public opinion
pushed the Wilson
administration
to keep the four
regular Army
units —the 24th
and 25th Infantry Regiments, and the
9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments —far
from France. In their place, African
American men were deployed from
National Guard units, mostly in the
North, and an even larger force of
drafted civilians from across the U.S.
Beyond the war, the treatment of the
24th Infantry galvanized black America
to push for changes in how military law
was administered.
For more information on
Camp. Logan and the Camp Logan
Mutiny, see the THC's Texas and
the Great War: WWI mobile tour
app (texashistoryapp-corn). *
10 THE MEDALLION SPRING 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Marking World War I
THC Commemorates Famous and Little -Known Stories of the Great War
By Bob Brinkman
THC Historical Markers Coordinator
More than
16,000 Official
Texas Historical
Markers are
placed around the
state, Nvith several
commemorating
famous or little-
known aspects
of World War I.
Dozens of stories —including the
First Officers Training Camp at Leon
Springs, Fort WortPs burial plot for
Great Britain's Royal Flying Corps, and
the 19 18 Peace Monument at Water
Valley —have been added to the Lone
Star landscape of public history.
As the centenary of notable dates
and events from World War I progresses,
the Texas Historical Commission (THQ
will consider World War I a priority
theme for marker applications submitted
this fall.
This year, four new markers
relating tales of World War I have
been approved and are under production
to add to the stories we will tell for
generations to come.
Telegraph cables laid beneath the
waters of the Gulf of Mexico in the
Is played a role in America's entry
into World Wax I. Because German
transatlantic cables were
cut; the Zitnt ermann
Telegram was
transmitted from Berlin
to Washington, D.C.;
it was then transferred
The Zimmermann
Telegram, which
transferred through
Galveston, represented
a turning point in WWI.
Camp Scurry near Corpus Christ!
to Galveston and across
the gulf to the Mexican
government in January
1917. The encrypted
telegrain referenced the
possibility of Mexico
ossi
regaining lost territory in
L z. the American Southwest
�including lexas) it they
aided Germany. The
decoded message was carried in U.S.
newspapers on March 1, 1917, which
changed some citizens' opinions and
solidified President Wilson's view
that American intervention in the
war was inevi tab1c.
In 1916, Camp Scurry Nvas
established as a 200-acre National Guard
mobilization and training camp along
the bay in Corpus Christi. The site was
made ready in a week, with shell -topped
roads, water and electricity, Nvooden
iness balls, and canvas tents for more
than 3,000 troops. The Second and
Third Infantry Regiments transferred
there from the Mexican border in the
fill, but by March 1917 the post was
closed and the facilities were being
dismantled. VAien war Nvith Germany
eras declared, the camp was reactivated
as a training base and remained open
until 1919.
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John Williain 'Thomason, Jr. of
Huntsville joined the Marine Corps and
served in five major campaigns of the
Western Front, receiving the Silver Star,
Navy Cross, and Air Medal. Thomason
uniquely combined his military service
with his creative gifts, publishing more
thmi 60 magazine articles and writing
I I illustrated books, including the
popular Fix Bayonets! (192 6), reflecting
the Marine experience in the war.
Thomason served in the Marines for
27 years, including
a series of World
War 11 assignments
until his death in
1944. He received
several posthumous
honors, including the
dedication of the navy
destroyer USSJohn
W 7homason,
Training
instruction, and
John William
activities became
Thomason, Jr.
a priority at Texas
A&M College in World War 1. The
day after Congress declared war on
Germany, the prescribed time for military
instruct -ton for students eras increased to
10 hours per Week, with a corresponding
increase in time devoted to target
practice. By December,
the college was designated
a training base for the
U.S.. rrn Signal Corps
and a training detachment
of mechanics and
technicians. More than
2,200 Aggles served in the
war, with 55 making the
ultimate sacrifice. *
k A I M A WN FIV ROG] L, N
SPRING 2017 THE IlEDALLION 11
TQ
e ir 0 t e r y C o jrnji G a A
TH Assists with Honoring WWI Veterans' rvites
By Carlyn Hammon s and Jenny McWilliams
THC Cemetery Preservation Program
If your cemetery, community,
veterans group, or County Historical
Commission is planning an event
to memorialize the World War I
centennial, the Texas Historical
Commission's (THC) Historic
Cemetery Preservation Program
provides the following suggestions
for commemorative activities.
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Cemeteries across Texas contain
gravestones of WWI veterans.
Adorning Graves with Flags and
Poppies. Flags are usually the
first thing that come to mind when
honoring veterans buried in our
local cemeteries. Placing the flags
is an activity that can involve many
different types of community groups,
bringing welcome attention to your
commemorative efforts.
If you choose to host this activity,
be aware of any cemetery rules that
limit the amount of time flags are left
at the graves, as well as etiquette for
removing flags at the appropriate time.
The American Legion, for example,
advises their posts to remove the flags
as soon as possible after the holiday.
Storms or wind may cause flags to
become tattered or blown away from
the gravesite, resulting it
disrespect to both the
deceased and the flag.
The idea of
spreading poppy seeds
at veterans' graves
is also occasionally
suggested as a form
of commemoration at
individual gravesites.
While this idea is intende
+ h +f 1 1, +
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be appreciated in the future when tall
poppies dot the cemetery lawn and
make routine maintenance challenging.
Another use of the seeds could be
at the entrance to the cemetery or
a dedicated poppy bed away from
the graves.
Lasting Memorials, While flag
displays and poppy blooms are fitting
memorials, they have short lifespans.
Consider other types of memorials
that have a long-lasting impact, such
as a sturdy sign or stone monument
recognizing the veterans interred
in the cemetery. Establishing a
permanent fund or making a monetary
contribution to a cemetery in honor of
a veteran is another way to help ensure
the cemetery can continue caring for
the graves of these respected men and
women for years to come. Other ideas
are available on the Texas World War I
Centennial Commemoration's webpage
at texasworldwarl centennial.org.
Knowing the law. If you're planning a
cemetery event, you may need to be
aware of cemetery access laws. While
Texas law provides access for any
individual to visit cemeteries, it does
not provide permission to trespass.
If a cemetery is only accessible by
crossing private property, you must
acquire permission prior to visiting
ietery.
rking with descendants,
emetery associations,
and other caretakers.
While the law allows
us to access all
cemeteries, holding
an event is considered
more intrusive. If you're
lanning an event that
olves a cemetery you are
I
I 1U L U I I t;ULIY dbZ)UL;!dLt;U with,
be courteous when working with the
association or caretaker. Well-meaning
participants can occasionally cause
irreversible damage by stripping
cemeteries of cultural features mistaken
for trash or nuisance vegetation.
Planning for logistics, A cemetery's
location, size, and condition could
preclude certain types of events.
Cemeteries are fragile resources that
are easily harmed by a large crowd, too
many vehicles, and ceremonial props.
Providing plenty of chairs, for example,
will prevent the temptation to sit or lean
on gravemarkers. *
An extended -version of this axticle is
avw blflae at thc. texas. gov/blog.
12 THE MEDALLION SPRING 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Camp Life Legacy
Texas Military Posts Transformed Lives of Soldiers, Communities
By Bob Brinkman
T14C Historical Markers Coordinator
The presence of tens of thousands
of soldiers, airmen, and Marines
during the First World War made a
profound impression on Texas, and
vice versa. The influx of troops brought
temporary population rises to some
cities, and permanent contributions to
infrastructure, commerce, and social
climige in others. Military training and
nicinories made an indelible imprint on
Texas' future ambassadors to the nation
and the world.
In response to continuing unrest
along the U.S.-Mexico border, President
Woodrow Wilson ordered National
Guard units of three southwestern states
(including Texas) into federal service
on May 9, 1916. By July, 14 states
were on duty along the international
boundary. El Paso's Fort Bliss was the
headquarters for Gen. John J. Pershing's
Punitive Expedition into Mexico. Most
guardsmen in Texas did not cross die
border, but instead received valuable
training for looming combat in Europe.
Near Waco, more than 10,000
acres were transformed into Camp
Mackthur to train the National
Guard's 32nd Division. The maximum
troop population exceeded 27,000, at
a time Nvhen Waco 's civilian population
numbered 32,000. Most early arrivals
Nvere from Michigan and Wisconsin,
later joined by other states. The first
units Nvent to France in February
1918. Camp MacArthur later became
an infantry replacement and training
camp. It was also an officers training
school, demobilizing 11,000 troops in
December 1918.
Charles Clough instructed 25
cadets flying the Curtiss JI'- "Jenny"
at Call Field, a training field near
Wichita Falls for the U.S. Army Air
Service. In a 1957 Wichita Rabb Thnes
article, he related the pilots' most
critical concern:
This 1918 photo below shows the 361h
Division in review in: Fort Worth.
I
rl
L
Vkaies were equipped with a hand
pump which had -a crooked handle
like an umbrella, and the student in
back had to maintain a pressure of four
pounds for forced feed of gasoline,"
Clough recalled. "Not more and not
less; if the pressure went up too high a
backfire might blow up the plane." In
1937, the local American Legion post
dedicated a granite monument to die
memory of Call Field and the 34 men
killed during training.
Following the U.S. declaration of
wax in April 1917, eight camps were
established to train officers for combat
leadership. The first opened northwest
of San Antonio on the former Schasse
Ranch at Leon Springs, Nvith more than
3,000 troops arriving on May 8, 1917.
After three months of training at Camp
Funston (later Leon Springs Military
Reservation), 1,846 second lieutenants
graduated in August. The First Officers
Training Camp motto was "Brave Men
Shall Not Die Because I Faltered."
A panoramic image of the Leon Springs
camp near San Antonio, left.
In a Fort Worth caf6 in 193 1,
diree of the "First Campers" organized
an association of these comrades in
arms, which held annual reunions
for more than 50 years. On the eve
of American involvement in another
global conflict in 1941, Col. Robert T
Phinncy wrote to his men Nvho trained
at U011 Springs, "Not a single man was
false to his oath. I shall always know in
the years to come that you are carrying
011, fil everything you attempt, with the
same zeal, cheerfulness, and guts that
characterized your work in 1917, for
men of your kind don't change." *
THC.YE CA. S.GOV SPRING 2017 THE MEDALLION 13
e shi'mp Texas Tiour
Fe ures VI)VT Nav Hl'ostor - Y
Ever wonder what's behind all those locked doors aboard the battleship Texas? Now you can find out! The First Texas
Volunteers will host Hard Hat Tours on the USS Texas May 20 at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Participants will be able
to explore areas of the ship rarely seen by the public..
The USS Texas is the last remaining battleship that
participated in both World War I and World War 11. The U.S.
Navy commissioned the ship on March 12, 1914. At that
time, she was considered the most powerful weapon in the
world —a complex product of an industrial nation emerging
as a force in global events. In 19161 the HISS Texas became
the first U.S. battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns. In World
War 1, she joined the 6th Battle Squadron of the British
Grand Fleet.
Fate spared LISS Texas as s h e fought in two wars. Now
she is fighting for survival against age and rust. In 2008, the
Texas legislature approved $25 million to work on the repairs,
and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continues
working with the Battleship Texas Foundation (battleshiptexas.
org) and other partners to ensure the ship's best possible care.
Tour reservations are required, with a minimum donation
Experience the USS Texas'off-fimits areas at a May 20 Hard Hat Tour.
of $50 per person requested. Proceeds will ensure this last
remaining dreadnought -style ship will endu re for f uture generations to enjoy. To make reservations, visit firstitexasvol u nteers.
org, For more information about the USS Texas, go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-Texas or call 281-479-2431. *
THC RELEASES
WWI MOBILE TOUR
The Texas Historical Commission
(THC) recently released "WWI.
Texas and the Great war,,,a mobile
tour featuring new content and
human -interest stories that bring
Texas' World War I -related history
1� d to life through audio, slideshows,
and video.
World War I impacted Texas
and Texans forever. Witness the
dramatic changes in the state's
landscape, industry, society, and
populations through stories of
vallant people and the roles of
surprising sites such as parks, stadiums, airfields, forts,
universities, and ships,
The tour is free and available for download from
smartphone app stores and the THG's travel website,
texastimetravel.com. While there, check out the agency's
other new mobile tour, "The Chisholm Trail: Exploring
the Folklore and Legacy." The mobile tours allow users to
experience these different eras of Texas history through
images and self -guided expeditions to explore familiar
destinations in Texas and discover new heritage attractions.
THC LAUNCHES GOLIAD MASSACRE VIDEO TRAILER
The THC recently launched a trailer for a soon -to -be -released
five-minute web movie about the tragic story of the Gollad
Massacre. The trailer and short film use 360-degree video
technology, giving Texas history enthusiasts a now way to
study and enjoy the historical content.
The main THC film, slated for release on May 15,
will feature new information and video footage of significant
artifacts, the role of Col. James W. Fannin, and ties
to the Battle of Coleto Greek. The trailer is available
at thc.texas.gov/traller,
APPLY NOW TO BECOME
A MAIN STREET COMMUNITY
The application period is now open for cities to apply to the
THC's Texas Main Street Program. Each year the THC may
select up to five Texas cities to participate in the program.
Local Main Street programs receive a wide range of
services and technical expertise from the THG, including
design and historic preservation, planning, economic
development, organizational management, and training.
Optional letters of intent are due to the THC by June 2,
and applications are due July 31. Application information
and webinar details are available on the THUS website
at thc.texas.gov/mainstreet, *
14 THE MEDALLION SPRING 2017 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Soldiers of Many Stripes
The Multicultural Dimensions of World War I Mobilization
By Doug Harman
Member, Texas World War / Centennial Commemoration
When the U.S. declared war against
Germany in 1917, the Anny draft resulted
in thousands of men from different racial,
ethnic, region.4 economic, educational,
and religious backgrounds
becoming American soldiers. An
important story of the war is the
inclusion of these nien of various
bacl<grounds into a brave fighting
force to support the country.
African Ainericans served
in great numbers. More than
367,000 were drafted into the.
Army, with 140,000 serving
in France and 40,000 seeing
combat. At Fort WortVs Camp
Bowie) where nearly 3,000
African Ai-nerican soldiers trained,
Jim Crow practices resulted
in blacks being segregated
into separate units mainly
commanded by white officers.
Although African Americans received
Military instruction at Cal-np Bowie, they
were denied combat roles mid mainly
performed maintenance and construction
duties. African Americaii soldiers at
other Texas camps received fitfl combat
instruction and hundreds fought overseas.
Despite inmiy American Indians
being denied citizenship, recruits received
regular combat training. American
7ht Medallion is published q u a r te rly by the Texas
Historical Commission. Address correspondence to-,
Managing Editor, 7he Medallion, P.O. Box 12276,
Austin, TX 78711-2270. Portions of the newsletter
that are not copyrighted or reprinted from oOier
sources may be reprinted with permission.
Contributions for the support oft his publication
are gratefully accepted. For information about
alternate formats of this publicat-ion, contact the
THC at 512-463-6255.
7he Midaffion is financed in parr by a grant from
the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the
Interior. All of the agency's public programs mid
activities are operated free from discrimination on
Indians from at least 13 tribes trained at
Camp Bowie, including inen from the
Comanche, Choctaw, Iroquois, Mohawk,
and Wyandot nations.
401 r
T.
R'*
A
The Chodaw Telephone Squad became famous for code talking in WWI.
The Choctaw brought a special
skill to military tactics —their language
was used to confuse the Germans, who
were tapping into U.S. communication
lines. A U.S. commander asked Choctaw
soldiers to transinit orders in their unique
language over wire lines, a practice that
became sown as code t-Ahi.ar.
When the U.S. entered the war,
Mexican Americans faced disc riminatioll
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or
disability. Any person who believes he or she has been
discriminated against should write to Office of Equal
Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior,
%shina0ton, D0240 .C. 2.
7he Medallion is available online at thc.tcxas.govY
medallion. If you would prefer to receive 7heMidallion
electronically instead of th tough the mail, please send
your name and address to thc@thc.texas.gov. You will
be notified. by email when cacti new is -sue is available
on Lhe T HC Nvebs! cc and will no longer receive a
printed copy.
due to the Suspicion that Mexico was
favoring Germany, resulting in the
loyalty of soiree Mexican Americans being
questioned. Despite this, many became
U.S. soldiers and Nvere fully
integrated into combat roles, often
serving in command positions.
One of the was highest
ranking Hispanics caine froin a
prominent family. Capt. August
De Zavala, a descendent of Texas
Revolution patriot Lorenzo De
Zawda, Nvas commander of die
Machine Gun Company of Camp
Bowie's 143rd Infantry.
Although dic Nvar did not
alter the inany injustices of
a' J
the era, it provided culturally
disenfranchised grOLIPS a way
to deinonstrate their impressive
capabilities, patriotism, and pride.
Wartime service led to national
legislation granting American. Indians
CitiZeDship, perhaps the most dramatic
change of status for any group facing
discrimination during this time. Training
as soldiers also b6osted the education
and skills of many men who had been
away from dicir hometowns and ranches,
diereby helping 'Introduce them to the
larger and changing Nvorld. *
Oux Mission
To protect and Preserve the state's historic
and prehistoric resources for the use,
education, enjoyment, and economic
benefit of present and future generations.
THC.TEXAS.GO V SPRING 2017 THE MEDALLION 15
WRERE ON EARTH...IN TEXAS
Know your Texas history? Put your skills to the test by 0A
identifying the pictured site! The first three people who
iy
correctly identify the location will receive a prize and he
named in the next issue of Vie Medallion. Send your answer A 3-
to: The Metiallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276
or email to medallion@thc.texas.gov. Limit one prize
annually pej6contest anit.
L; 3
'P '0
Need a clue? This building, the sole surviving World War It-,
related structure of its kind, was recently rehabilitated in a
city known for its military heritage,
Answer to the photo froin the
last issue: The photo at left is
the clock tower atop the 1891 -4-71
Colorado County Courthouse
in Columbus. It was restored
with the help of the THC's
ti
Texas Historic Courthouse
_J.
Preservation Program in 2014.
Congratulations and prizes go
to the first three readers who
correctly identified the site:
Mildred Bohimann of
Schulenhurg, Joe Fling of
Eagle Lake, and Susan Rogers
of Columbus. Thanks to all
who participated! *
AL
thc-texas.gov