History of Old Camp Fort Wolters
Old Camp Wolters
In 1925, the government granted Brigadier General Jacob Wolters funds to build a training site in Mineral Wells for the mounted cavalry in Texas. This camp, named Camp Wolters, became the training site for the mounted cavalry guardsmen. On March 22, 1941, Camp Wolters was designated as an Infantry Replacement Center for the U.S. Army. The camp expanded rapidly, growing from 50 acres to 7,500 acres within months. The newer part of the camp is now called Wolters Industrial Park, while the original area is known as Old Camp Wolters. During World War II, Old Camp Wolters housed German prisoners of war from North Africa. In 1945, when the war ended, both Old Camp Wolters and the newer camp were deactivated. In 1965, the National Guard sold Old Camp Wolters to the Pratt brothers, who donated the majority of the property to nonprofit groups and the Mineral Wells Independent School District. Today, just east of Mineral Wells High School, you can find the original headquarters of Old Camp Wolters. Only one small rock building remains, which is maintained by the school district.
A New Life for Camp Wolters
In 1951, the government reactivated New Camp Wolters as Wolters Air Force Base. In 1956, it was redesignated as Camp Wolters Army Base. In 1963, the camp was permanently renamed Fort Wolters and served as the home for Primary Helicopter Training during the Vietnam War. New Fort Wolters saw approximately 40,000 students from 30 countries complete the 20-week program conducted by the Southern Airways Company. An average of 600 students graduated each month in 1967. New Fort Wolters officially closed in 1973, but it took around two years to completely shut down. Most of the Fort Wolters property is now managed by the City of Mineral Wells.
Wolters Industrial Park
The U.S. Army occupied the majority of the post from 1951 to 1973. Today, much of the old post still remains, though it has considerably declined from its heyday. The largest component now serves the Mineral Wells community as Wolters Industrial Park. This industrial park houses several large corporations and small businesses. It continues to be a significant asset to Mineral Wells and a prime location for new industries and warehouses.