History of Fort McCoy (Wisconsin) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 22, 2025

Fort McCoy is a U.S. Army Reserve installation located in Monroe County, Wisconsin, spanning 60,000 acres. Established in 1909 from the merger of Camp Emory Upton and Camp Robinson (initially named Camp McCoy in 1926), its primary function has been as a military training center. The facility is also used by the Wisconsin State Patrol for training purposes, highlighting its importance in both federal and state-level preparedness.

1909: Establishment of Camp Emory Upton and Camp Robinson

In 1909, Camp Emory Upton and Camp Robinson were established as two separate camps in the area that would become Fort McCoy.

1909: Sparta Maneuver Tract Formation

In 1909, the "Sparta Maneuver Tract" was initially formed on 14,000 acres as a training ground.

1910: Camp Bruce Elisha McCoy Renaming

In 1910, the army renamed the entire tract "Camp Bruce Elisha McCoy" for the father of Robert Bruce McCoy.

1926: Camp McCoy Formation

In 1926, Camp Emory Upton and Camp Robinson were joined together to form Camp McCoy.

1938: Major Expansion of Camp McCoy

In 1938, the United States initiated a major expansion of Camp McCoy, including the addition of over 45,000 acres and the construction of new structures to accommodate up to 35,000 soldiers.

August 30, 1942: Expansion Inauguration

On August 30, 1942, the expansion of Camp McCoy was officially concluded with a new inauguration.

1942: Fort McCoy as a Concentration Camp

In 1942, during World War II, Fort McCoy was used as a concentration camp for approximately 170 Japanese and 120 German and Italian American civilians. Later, it was used as a training facility and a POW camp holding 4,000 Japanese and German POWs.

1950: Reactivation for the Korean War

In 1950, with the advent of the Korean War, Camp McCoy was once again used for training purposes.

1953: Deactivation After Korean War

In 1953, Camp McCoy was deactivated again after the Korean War, and it was then used for various small national, state, and civilian projects, and as a training center.

1973: Camp McCoy Reactivation

In 1973, the Army reactivated Camp McCoy as a permanent training center.

September 30, 1974: Fort McCoy Redesignation

On September 30, 1974, Camp McCoy was officially re-designated as Fort McCoy.

March 2003: Deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom

During February and March 2003, the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 229th Engineer Company deployed from Fort McCoy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

December 2003: Mobilization of 458th Engineer Battalion

From December 2003, the 458th Engineer Battalion mobilized through Fort McCoy.

December 2003: Mobilization to Ft. McCoy

From December 2003, the 477th Medical Company mobilized to Ft. McCoy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

February 2004: Experiences Forming Webcomic Chapter

From December 2003 through February 2004, one of the soldiers mobilized through Fort McCoy used his experiences there to form a major chapter in the online webcomic BOHICA Blues. Chapter 3, "Mobe Station", takes place at Fort McCoy.

February 2004: Redeployment through Ft. McCoy

In February 2004, after returning from Iraq, the 477th Medical Company redeployed back to Ft. McCoy before returning home.

June 2008: Mobilization Training

From April to June 2008, the 890th Engineer Battalion of the Mississippi Army National Guard conducted Mobilization training at McCoy before deploying to Iraq.