Existing comment:
Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar:
(Camp Kearny-National Guard: 1917-1920)
The mesa now home to the Marine Corps Air Station, situated 14 miles north of San Diego, has seen continuous military use for over 80 years. Its origins are the result of increasing federal investment in San Diego beginning in the early part of the 20th century.
The beginnings on the base were not small scale. Following approval for an army camp to be developed in San Diego, the Miramar site became the location of Camp Kearny on 24 May 1917. Camp Kearny was truly an "instant city," with planned accommodations for 30,000 men and 10,000 cavalry horses and mules.
The facilities of Camp Kearny were comprised of 1,162 buildings, including 696 main structures. There were 10 warehouses and 140 mess halls, each capable of seating 250 men at one time. Within the Camp were nearly five miles of concrete roads and 15 miles of dirt roads. Fully operational, the Camp used as much electricity as the city of San Diego at that time. |