Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area (Established by Major General George S. Patton, Jr.) - Camp Coxcomb
California State Historic Landmark 985
05/22/98
#985 Coxcomb Divisional Camp
Camp Coxcomb
Desert Training Center
California - Arizona Maneuver Area
Camp Coxcomb was established at this site in the spring of 1942. It was one of twelve such camps built in the Southwestern deserts to harden and train United States troops for service on the battlefields of World War II. The Desert Training Center was a simulated theater of operations that included portions of California, Arizona and Nevada. The other camps were Young, Granite, Iron Mountain, Ibis, Clipper, Pilot Knob, Laguna, Horn, Hyder, Bouse and Rice.
A total of 13 infantry divisions and 7 armored divisions plus numerous smaller units were trained in this harsh environment. The training center was in operation for almost 2 years and was closed early in 1944 when the last units were shipped overseas. During the brief period of operation over one million American soldiers were trained for combat.
This monument is dedicated to all the soldiers that served here, and especially for those who gave their lives in battle, ending the Holocaust & defeating the armed forces of Nazi Germany, fascist Italy and imperial Japan.
05/22/98
I-10, exit at Desert Center and go approximately 18 mi N on SR 177 (PM 17.0); plaque on W side of Hwy 177.
Return to other landmarks in Riverside county.
Send comments to:
Donald Laird
