Fort Myer

Fort Myer. A historic United States Army post directly adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. Established during the American Civil War, it has served as a key military installation, ceremonial ground, and home to elite units for over 150 years. The fort is renowned for its role in early military aviation and as the headquarters of the United States Army Band and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

History

The site was originally occupied by Fort Cass and Fort Whipple, constructed in 1863 as part of the defensive ring of forts protecting Washington, D.C. during the American Civil War. It was renamed in 1881 for Brigadier General Albert J. Myer, the first commander of the U.S. Army Signal Corps and a pioneer in military communications. Under Myer's successor, Adolphus Greely, the post became the headquarters for the Weather Bureau and the site of significant experiments in aeronautics. The early 20th century saw it become a focal point for military aviation under the direction of the Signal Corps, with pivotal flight tests conducted by pioneers like Orville Wright.

Geography and facilities

Situated on high ground overlooking the Potomac River and the national capital, the installation encompasses approximately 260 acres. Its grounds are characterized by historic red-brick buildings, including the iconic Quarters One, the home of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Key facilities include Summerall Field, used for ceremonies; the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel; and the Caisson Platoon stables, which house the horses for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. The post also contains the National Museum of the United States Army's adjacent campus and numerous monuments, such as the First Aero Squadron monument.

Military significance

Fort Myer is the garrison for premier ceremonial units of the U.S. Army. It is the home of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," the Army's oldest active-duty infantry unit, which performs sentinel duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and provides honor guards for state occasions. The post also hosts the United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own," founded by General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Furthermore, it serves as the headquarters for the Army Chief of Staff and other senior leaders, making it a central node for Department of the Army operations and protocol.

Notable events

The fort was the scene of the first fatal airplane crash in 1908, which seriously injured Orville Wright and killed Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. It served as the testing ground for the military's first aircraft, leading to the 1909 purchase of the Wright Military Flyer by the U.S. government. In 1932, it was the starting point for the "Bonus Army" march on Washington. The funeral services for numerous notable figures, including General Pershing and several Secretaries of State, have been held at the post chapel. More recently, it has been a site for presidential inaugurations and visits by foreign dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II.

In popular culture

The iconic imagery of Fort Myer and its units has been featured in numerous films and television series. Scenes depicting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard, performed by soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, appear in movies such as The Pentagon Wars and documentaries about the U.S. military. The precision drills of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps are frequently broadcast during national events on networks like C-SPAN and NBC. The post's distinctive architecture and ceremonial settings have also been used as backdrops in episodes of television series like The West Wing and in novels by authors such as Tom Clancy.

Category:United States Army posts Category:Arlington County, Virginia Category:National Register of Historic Places in Virginia