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Camp Robinson
The first troops arrived at Camp Robinson on Sept. 5, 1917. The
post, known then as Camp Pike, was originally a home for the 87th
Division of the National Army. In 1937, after the death of Sen.
Joseph T. Robinson (D-Ark), the camp was renamed in his honor. By
1944, Camp Robinson included 48,188 acres and housed 6,793 buildings.
In 1950, the United States deeded Camp Robinson to Arkansas, with
the provision it could reclaim the post in an emergency. Part of
the post was given to the Game and Fish Commission as a Wildlife
Management Area. Another parcel was given to North Little Rock for
use as an airport. A small parcel was given to the Army, Navy and
Marine Corps Reserves for use as a Reserve Center (that parcel was
renamed Camp Pike in honor of the original post and its namesake,
the explorer Zebulon Pike). The remainder of the post was to be
used primarily for training the National Guard and for other military
purposes.
Today, Camp Robinson is home and headquarters to the Arkansas National
Guard, and accordingly, contains the administrative offices of the
Adjutant General. In addition, the 32,000-acre military reservation
has numerous logistical facilities, barracks, weapons firing ranges,
and training areas used by the Guard and other armed forces components.
Also located on Camp Robinson is the National Guard Professional
Education Center. This outstanding educational facility provides
job-related training to members of the Army National Guard from
all 50 states and the four territories. Many community and government
organizations also use the education center as well as other post
training facilities. The National Guard Marksmanship Training Center
at Camp Robinson is home to the Winston P. Wilson Rifle, Pistol
and Machinegun Championship Matches, held each year in October.
Military teams from throughout the National Guard and Allied nations
visit Camp Robinson in the spirit of competition. Camp Robinson
also hosts the Youth Challenge Program and the Civilian Student
Training Program, both of which offer education and life-skills
training to troubled youths.
Once a year, usually in September, Camp Robinson invites the public
to participate in its Minuteman Days open house. This festive event
is marked by music, a street dance, arts and crafts, a 5K race and
other tournaments, static and live weapons displays, and an air
and ground assault demonstration. Camp Robinson also has one of
the finest military museums in the country.
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