Fort Ord

Fort Ord was a former United States Army post on Monterey Bay in California, near the city of Monterey. Established in 1917 as a maneuver area and training center, it was officially designated as Fort Ord in 1940.

Throughout its history, Fort Ord served primarily as a training installation for infantry troops. It was a major training center during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Many soldiers deploying to these conflicts received their basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord.

The post's activities significantly declined following the end of the Cold War. Fort Ord was officially closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Since its closure, the land has been repurposed into various uses, including the Fort Ord National Monument, California State University Monterey Bay, and residential and commercial developments. Significant environmental remediation efforts have been undertaken to address contamination from past military activities. The area continues to be a mix of recreational, educational, and residential spaces, reflecting its transformation from a military base to a multi-use community.