Desert Training Center, California-Arizona Maneuver Area (Established by Major General George S. Patton, Jr.) - Camp Granite
California State Historic Landmark 985
05/22/98
#985 Granite Divisional Camp
Camp Granite
Desert Training Center
California - Arizona Maneuver Area
Camp Granite 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, Coxcomb, 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 25 mi N on SR 177, then approximately 5.4 mi E on Hwy 62 (PM 90.5); plaque on E side of Hwy 62.
Plaque is actually located just across the San Bernardino County line.
Return to other landmarks in Riverside county.
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Donald Laird
