CHL # 1045 Camp Lockett San Diego

Guidebook

#1045 CAMP LOCKETT was a United States Army military base located in Campo, California, east of San Diego, and north of the Mexican border. Camp Lockett has historical connections to the Buffalo Soldiers due to the 10th and 28th Cavalry Regiments having been garrisoned there during World War II. It was named in honor of Colonel James R. Lockett who fought in theSpanish–American War, Philippine Insurrection, and the Punitive Expedition. In 2009 it was designated as a California Historical Landmark.

Location

Campo, near Campo Rd. and Forest Gate Rd.
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Notes

"The nationally significant, historic Camp Lockett is an approximately 600-acre County-owned parcel located in Campo. It was developed by the U.S. military between 1941 and 1945 to protect the border in the event of a Japanese invasion during World War II. Stationed here were the famous "Buffalo Soldiers," an African-American cavalry unit originally established during the Civil War. In addition to this segregated unit being renowned for their contributions during the Civil War, they were also known for contributing to the Spanish American War, the Mexican Punitive Expedition, and the Philippine Insurrection. Of particular significance was the fact that this group was the last of a long history of horse-mounted cavalry used by the military."

Afterthoughts

There are plans to create a county park out of the majority of its former area. The state plaque has not been ordered yet.