Fort Eustis-- Part 4: Artillery Training in WW I

During World War I, Camp Abraham Eustis was established after the military bought the island and surrounding land for $538,000, displacing about 200 locals.  Camp Eustis was established as a coast artillery replacement center for Fort Monroe.

It also was a balloon observation school.  The camp was named for General Abraham Eustis, War of 1812 veteran and first commander of Fort Monroe.

Camp Wallace was established a few miles upstream in 1918 and became the Upper Firing Range for artillery training.  It eventually had 30 barracks, 6 storehouses and 8 mess halls on 160 acres.

--Brock-Perry