Camp Fitzgerald

Before there was Camp Latham or Camp Drum in the District of Southern California during the American Civil War, there was Camp Fitzgerald, which was located somewhere near downtown Los Angeles. Camp Fitzgerald was organized sometime after May 3, and before October, 1861 by James H. Carleton, out of Fort Tejon. Camp Fitzgerald was named for Edward H. Fitzgerald, a U.S. Army Major who had himself established Fort Jones but had died of consumption in January 1860.[1] The New York Times mentioned the establishment of the camp on July 31, 1861:[2]

The Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Department, in consequence of representations made to him relative to political matters in California, has ordered a camp to form in the city of Los Angeles. In compliance with this order, four companies of United States regulars were recalled from neighboring stations, and now occupy tents fronting the city named. The camp is composed of the following troops:

Company I, Sixth Infantry: 70 Company F, Sixth Infantry: 68 Company K, First Dragoons: 69 Company B, First Dragoons: 72

Total: 279

The camp is called "Camp Fitzgerald," in memory of the gallant Major of that name, whose remains are interred near it. Mail forwarders will please bear in mind the location of these men.

Flag of the United States of America (1861–1863)

However, Camp Fitzgerald was in a disadvantageous location for a "permanent camp and supply base," not least because of the distance from the port at San Pedro. Camp Fitzgerald was apparently relocated three times in hopes of finding better water and pasture but an ideal site was never found, and Camp Fitzgerald, like Camp Latham, was eventually closed in favor of the Drum Barracks site, which ultimately became the headquarters of the Army of the Pacific in southern California.[3] Camp Fitzgerald likely lasted for less than a year, if that, but the exact date of closure is unclear.[4]